Research Assistant (Maternity Cover)

The John Innes Centre; Norwich; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading research institution in plant genetics is seeking a Research Assistant for a maternity cover role. The successful candidate will manage the conservation and distribution of a diverse pea germplasm collection. Applicants should possess a MSc in crop science and relevant experience in plant genetics and conservation. The role offers a competitive salary and is based in Norwich, UK.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of molecular markers is essential.
• Experience in grain phenotyping techniques is desirable.
• Experience in managing crop germplasm resources is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Oversee conservation of the GR-NBRI Pisum collection.
• Perform high-throughput phenotyping for grain nutritional qualities.
• Support group members with research dissemination.

Skills

Knowledge in plant genetics

Experience in conservation

Oral research presentations

Excellent communication skills

Ability to collaborate

Education

MSc or equivalent in crop science

PhD in biology or related field

Job description

Hours per week 37 Project Title JIC Pisum collection maintenance and seed distribution Months Duration 10

Job Description

Main Purpose of the Job

Research Assistants enhance the output of a research group by providing technical and administrative support to the Project Leader and group members.

Key Relationships

Internal: Line manager, GR-NBRI group members, and, as necessary, other researchers, research support staff, and students across the Institute.

External: Collaborators and academic Pisumgermplasm users and pea breeders around the world.

Main Activities & Responsibilities

Percentage Overseeing and executing the GR-NBRI Pisum collection conservation, including deposition of new material, germplasm regeneration, seed stock duplication, monitoring seed quality, and such activities as detailed in the related Defra grant and according to the Crop Trust international strategy for Pisum conservation. This includes constant enrichment of SeedStor database with key physiological and agronomic pea plant characteristics. 40 Phenotyping prioritised Pisum grain set for nutritional qualities using high-throughput X-ray and Near-Infrared spectrometry. 15 Continually strive for excellence, seeking out and acting on feedback and relevant learning and development opportunities 5 Enhance the output of a research group by executing and refining existing experimental protocols and/or administrative procedures 5 Contribute to the smooth running of the group, including through the effective use of resources, supervision of visitors to the laboratory and assisting with training others, encouraging scientific excellence 5 Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks 5 Plan, perform and trouble-shoot experiments as and when necessary under the supervision of the Project Leader 5 Contribute to the writing of research proposals and manuscripts, providing preliminary data 5 Ensure research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with good practice, scientific Integrity and in compliance with local policies and any legal requirements 5 Support group members with the dissemination of the research findings and relevant engagement activities, eg, through preparation of materials for conferences or school visits/activities 5 As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post, for example, contributing to the work of Institute committees 5.

Person Profile

Education & Qualifications

Requirement Importance MSc or equivalent in crop science or closely related field Essential PhD in biology or related field Desirable

Specialist Knowledge & Skills

Requirement Importance Knowledge in plant genetics and experience in use of molecular markers Essential Knowledge and experience in grain phenotyping technics Desirable

Requirement Importance Experience of oral research presentations Essential Experience in the field of conservation, gene banking or seed production. Essential Working on Pisum (e.g. Pisum genetics or agronomy or pathology) Essential Proven record in scientific writing Essential Experience in germination test and assessment of seed longevity Desirable Supervision of students and visiting workers Desirable Demonstrated ability to perform research and to prepare data for grant proposals and for scientific publications. Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

Requirement Importance Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders Essential Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures Essential Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills Essential Ability to prioritise to meet the demands of the group Essential Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity Essential Excellent time management and organisational skills Essential Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team Essential Promotes and strives for continuous improvement Essential

Additional Requirements

Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work Essential Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate Essential Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required Essential Promotes equality and values diversity Essential Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars Essential Able to present a positive image of self and the Institute, promoting both the international reputation and public engagement aims of the Institute Essential

Who We Are

The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics, carrying out fundamental and strategic research, to train scientists and making our findings available to society.

Our research makes use of a wide range of disciplines in the biological and chemical sciences including cell biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics and molecular biology.

We pride ourselves on being a welcoming and inclusive working environment for all. We have a diverse and multicultural scientific community and thrive on our European and international links, appointing staff from across the world. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on [phone] or [e-mail].

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award , recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion’s programme , a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department

Crop Genetics

The Department of Crop Genetics undertakes fundamental research on the biology of cereals, brassicas and legumes to understand the genetic and molecular basis of phenotypic variation. A major goal is to develop the technologies and knowledge base to provide a predictive framework that will underpin conventional and novel plant breeding strategies. This will enable high-yielding, stress and disease resistant varieties, with a particular end-use quality, suitable for an efficient but benign agriculture.

The Germplasm Resources National Bioscience Research Infrastructure (GR-NBRI, also known as Germplasm Resources Unit, GRU) at the John Innes Centre houses biological collections of seeds. The GR-NBRI aims to capture the broadest possible gene-pool diversity of the UK’s major strategic crops and crop wild relatives, to support plant science and crop improvement through breeding. We focus on wheat, pea, barley and oat germplasm. The collections include crop wild relatives, traditional landrace, adapted and elite cultivars as well as derived lines, mapping populations and induced (mutagenised) diversity panels. The seeds are kept in a specialised cool‑dry chamber to prolong their longevity and are regenerated according to a 20–30‑year cycle plan. The germplasm‑associated data is catalogued in an in‑house‑tailored management system and public database (SeedStor). https://www.jic.ac.uk/research-impact/germplasm-resource-unit/ More about the team: https://www.jic.ac.uk/research-impact/germplasm-resource-unit/ More about the team's research interests: https://www.jic.ac.uk/people/noam-chayut/

Research Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Salary: £28,890 - £35,670 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.

Contract: 10 months, maternity cover contract, full-time

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.

Closing date: 16 November 2025

Reference: 1004981

The role

The GRU is looking for a new member to serve as a maternity cover for the Pisum germplasm custodian.

The JIC Pisum collection includes diverse sets of cultivated, landraces, wild, mutagenised and mapping populations of peas and is one of the most diverse and highly utilised pea germplasm collections worldwide. You will be responsible for the GR‑NBRI pea germplasm conservation, regeneration, seed and plant characterisation, and international seed distribution.

As a Research Assistant in the GR‑NBRI team, you will be encouraged to carry out your own research under one of the following three themes: developing improved seed regeneration processes, Genebank Genomics, and high‑throughput phenotyping for grain nutritional quality.

The ideal candidate

The post holder will have a MSc or equivalent in crop science or a closely related field, and it is desirable if the candidate has a PhD in biology or a related discipline. They will have knowledge in plant genetics and experience in conservation, gene banking, or seed production. It is advantageous if the candidate has experience in managing crop germplasm resources.

The successful candidate will have excellent communication and service skills to lead global pea resource conservation and seed distribution for legume science and crop improvement through breeding.

Additional information

This is a full‑time maternity cover post expected to last for ten months; it could be shorter or longer depending on when the absent employee returns to work.

We welcome applications from candidates seeking job‑share, part‑time or other flexible working arrangements.

This role does not meet the full salary requirements set by UKVI to allow for visa sponsorship. However, some individuals may still be eligible for visa sponsorship depending on their personal circumstances. If you require visa sponsorship, please click here to find out if you qualify before applying. Please note, the occupation code for this role is 2112, which is on the immigration salary list.

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.