Hours per week: 37
Project Title: Engineering synthetic plant artificial chromosomes (synPACs)
Months Duration: 36
Job Description
Main Purpose of the Job
Research Assistants enhance the output of a research group by providing technical and administrative support to the Group Leader and group members.
Key Relationships
Line managers (David Seung and Anne Osbourn) and group members (Postdoctoral Researchers, Research Assistants, postgraduate students and undergraduate students); collaborators at Earlham Institute and University of Manchester; and other researchers, research support staff and students across the Institutes.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Percentage
1. Generate and maintain a large collection of transgenic potato lines in tissue culture - 40%
2. Coordinate the growth of potato lines in the glasshouse and characterise yield and quality traits - 25%
3. PCR and sequencing analysis to characterise transgene insertions - 15%
4. 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%
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%
6. Undertake routine administrative tasks, such as maintenance of laboratory supplies and stocks - 5%
7. 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
Ph.D. in Plant Science, or equivalent research experience - Essential
BSc or MSc in Biology/Biotechnology - Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement Importance
Extensive knowledge of plant tissue culture - Essential
Good knowledge of general plant biology - Essential
Extensive experience in transformation and tissue culture of potato or other Solanaceae - Essential
Extensive experience in optimising and troubleshooting transformation - Essential
Experience in tracking and handling large numbers of transgenic plants - Essential
Demonstrated ability to perform research and develop novel ideas in plant biotechnology - Essential
Proven record in figure preparation and scientific writing - Essential
Preparing data / information for grant proposals - Essential
Experience in working as part of a research team - Essential
Supervision of students and visiting workers - Desirable
Interpersonal & Communication Skills
Requirement Importance
Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team - Essential
Demonstrated ability to work independently, using initiative and applying problem solving skills - Essential
Excellent time management and organisational 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
Ability to collaborate with internal and external stakeholders - Essential
Ability to follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures - Essential
Promotes and strives for continuous improvement - Essential
Additional Requirements
Requirement Importance
Attention to detail - Essential
Promotes equality and values diversity - Essential
Willingness to embrace the expected values and behaviours of all staff at the Institute, ensuring it is a great place to work - 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
Ability to maintain confidentiality and security of information where appropriate - Essential
Willingness to work outside standard working hours when required - Essential
Ability to undertake occasional travel (national and international) related to collaborations and/or seminars - 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.
Department
Biochemistry and Metabolism
Researchers within the Department of Biochemistry and Metabolism investigate the structure and function of biological macromolecules and fundamental aspects of plant and microbial metabolism. They aim to understand the mechanisms underpinning metabolic diversity and how to manipulate proteins, carbohydrates, small molecules and DNA, research which is facilitating advances of agricultural, environmental, medical and industrial importance.
This post holder will be based in both David Seung and Anne Osbourn groups, which are in the Biochemistry and Metabolism department of the John Innes Centre.
Potato Biotechnologist
Salary: £36,000 - £44,500 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: 36 months, full time
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 25 March 2025
Reference: 1004858
The role
We are looking for a dedicated Potato Biotechnologist to be based at the John Innes Centre, working as part of a large cross-institute, multidisciplinary project that aims to develop artificial chromosome technology and synthetic biology tools in potato.
The post holder will be based in both the Seung and Osbourn labs in the Biochemistry and Metabolism department. They will work closely with the Postdoctoral Scientists on the project and provide excellent support in the area of potato transformation and maintenance of transgenic lines in tissue culture. They will generate transgenic lines carrying synthetic gene clusters that are designed to enhance nutritional and yield traits in potato and participate in the characterisation of these traits. Optimisation of transformation approaches to deliver these goals is expected. As part of a larger goal to develop a synthetic biology toolkit in potato, the postholder will also generate and characterise a series of reporter lines to test the activity of different promoters, terminators, etc.
Additional information
Candidates are required to submit a covering letter along with their CV as part of their application.
Interviews will be held week commencing 31 March 2025.
This role meets the criteria for a visa application, and we encourage all qualified candidates to apply. Where the successful applicant requires a visa, we will fund the costs for their visa and the Immigration Health Surcharge. 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.
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