Research Assistant (Bradley Group)

John Innes Centre; Norwich; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The John Innes Centre invites applications for a Research Assistant in the Bradley Group in Norwich. You will contribute to cutting-edge molecular microbiology research, investigating how plant-derived signals influence fungal biology and plant–microbe interactions.

You will apply molecular genetics and chemical biology approaches, develop and manage experimental resources, and conduct screening experiments to characterise novel responses to chemical cues.

Qualifications

• Must have a BSc in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemical ecology or related discipline
• Demonstrable ability to plan and conduct hypothesis-driven experiments
• Strong communication and ability to present scientific ideas clearly
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply molecular and genetic approaches to investigate microbial responses to chemical signals
• Contribute to development and management of experimental resources for chemical biology research
• Conduct microbiological screening experiments to identify and characterise novel biological responses to chemical cues
• Investigate molecular mechanisms underlying microbial signalling and environmental interactions

Skills

Experimental planning

Independent & collaborative work

Strong communication

Critical evaluation of results

Education

BSc in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemical ecology or related discipline

Tools

High-throughput screening

Microscopy

DNA/RNA analysis workflows

Transcriptomic data analysis

Job description

Research Assistant (Bradley Group)

Salary: £38,000 – £42,150 per annum depending on qualifications and experience

Contract: 24 months, full-time

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK

Closing date: 13 November 2026

Reference: 1006230

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Bradley Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Molecular Microbiology.

About the Bradley Group

The Bradley group investigates the molecular mechanisms underlying chemical communication between plants and fungi, with a particular focus on how plant-derived small molecules influence fungal biology and plant–fungal interactions.

Plant-associated fungi play diverse roles in plant health and nutrition. While some cause disease, others form beneficial symbioses that improve plant access to essential nutrients. Understanding how chemical signals regulate these interactions could help inform more sustainable approaches to crop protection and nutrient management.

Despite considerable progress in understanding how plant–fungal associations develop, the mechanisms by which fungi perceive and respond to plant-derived chemical signals remain poorly understood. Addressing this gap is challenging because many ecologically important fungi are difficult to manipulate genetically and experimentally.

The Bradley group combines molecular genetics, synthetic biology and tractable model systems to investigate fungal chemical perception. By integrating approaches from model yeasts and filamentous fungi, we aim to uncover conserved and specialised signalling mechanisms and develop new ways to investigate fungal biology.

The role

Embedded within the collaborative and diverse Molecular Microbiology Department at the John Innes Centre, you will:

• Develop and apply molecular and genetic approaches to investigate microbial responses to biologically relevant chemical signals.
• Contribute to the development and management of experimental resources to support chemical biology research.
• Conduct microbiological screening experiments to identify and characterise novel biological responses to chemical cues.
• Investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying microbial signalling and environmental interactions.

The ideal candidate

You will have a BSc in molecular biology, microbiology, genetics, chemical ecology or a related discipline. You will have a keen interest in experimental, laboratory-based research and a willingness to learn new techniques plus a demonstrable ability to plan and conduct hypothesis-driven experiments, critically evaluate results and develop follow-up investigations.

Other essential requirements are strong communication skills, including the ability to present scientific ideas and results clearly to different audiences and an ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a research team.

Desirable skills include:

• Experience with high-throughput screening or other systematic approaches to experimental investigation.
• Experience in molecular biology workflows involving DNA, RNA or gene expression analysis.
• Experience with microscopy or other approaches to characterising cellular responses.
• Experience analysing complex biological datasets, including transcriptomic data.
• A track record of communicating research through peer-reviewed publications or other scientific outputs.

Additional information

Interviews are planned for week commencing 23rd November 2026.

This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Please contact the Human Resources Team if you have any questions regarding your application or visa options.

We are an equal opportunities employer, actively supporting inclusivity and diversity. As a Disability Confident organisation, we guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this vacancy. We are proud to hold a prestigious Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our inclusive culture, commitment and good practices towards advancing of gender equality. We offer an exciting, stimulating, diverse research environment and actively promote a family friendly workplace. The Institute is also a member of Stonewall’s Diversity Champions programme.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852) grant-aided by the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council.