Help scientists to deliver crop genetics research through growing experiments in a commercial farm environment. The successful candidate will work with a team of five based in JIC’s state of the art field facility near the village of Bawburgh, Norfolk and surrounded by the JIC owned Church Farm (110Ha) and assist the Scientific Photographer at the main JIC site on Norwich Research Park.
The post holder will perform field operations using a range of bespoke small-scale plot equipment and by hand. All field operations must be carried out with care and attention to detail to ensure correct identification and data provision as appropriate to individual experiments. Photographic duties would include digitising historical images and photographing plant collections using digital SLR cameras and image manipulation software, i.e., Adobe CC.
The post holder will be expected to work outside normal working hours at times of peak seasonal work: autumn and spring sowing, critical plant maintenance in the growing season, during harvest and seed preparation for autumn sowing. The successful candidate will carry out preparation of growing areas, seed sowing, plant maintenance and harvesting plus any other tasks required to deliver an excellent service to the research groups. This will require a willing and flexible attitude to work and good interactions with the Research Assistants in science groups, mainly in Crop Genetics.
The ideal candidate will have some agricultural or horticultural experience along with a keen interest in photography. A positive attitude to Health and Safety is essential as the post requires operation of specialist machinery.
Key Relationships
Work will involve daily interactions with other members of the field team and researchers under the direct supervision of the Field Operations Manager or the Scientific Photographer, this could be cooperatively in team activities or independently without immediate supervision. Communication with researchers in processing seed, regarding practical field operations and for photography is essential to the effectiveness of the teams. Engaging well with local people around the farm and visitors at open days and events will be expected. Good communication will be required by mobile phone and email as well as in person.
Main Activities & Responsibilities
Percentage
Carrying out hand sowing, cultivations, plant husbandry and harvesting of non-combinable experiments. 40
Processing plants by machine and by hand, seed cleaning, processing and preparation for sowing. 25
Digitisation of negatives, slides and prints from JIC archive (1960s to 2000) and upload to database. 10
Cover for Scientific Photographer to assist with technical advice, image requests and database management 10
Photographic documentation of plants, wheat heads, flowers or seeds collections 10
As agreed with the line manager, any other duties commensurate with the nature of the post 5
Person Profile
Education & Qualifications
Requirement Importance 5 GCSEs A*-C (or equivalent) Essential
Specialist Knowledge & Skills
Requirement Importance
Keen interest in plant science Essential
Enthusiasm for working with and caring for plants Essential
Good computer literacy Essential
Excellent organisation and timekeeping skills Essential
Horticultural knowledge Desirable
Photography including image processing Desirable
Requirement Importance
Positive attitude to Health and Safety and sound understanding of the key principles Essential
Horticultural experience Desirable
Photography experience 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 follow instructions/Standard Operating Procedures Essential
Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including the ability to present complex information with clarity Essential
Additional Requirements
Requirement Importance
Promotes equality and values diversity Essential
Ability to work outside normal working hours at times of seasonal work pressure and outside in all weathers Essential
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
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
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.
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.
Field/Photography Assistant
Salary: £23,250 - £25,400 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: Full-time, 3 years.
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 20 February 2025
Reference: 1004841
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Field/Photography Assistant to join the Crop Genetics Department, to support the cutting-edge science of the John Innes Centre.
About the John Innes Centre:
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial sciences. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits. Our strategic vision, Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet, sets out our ambitious long-term goals for the game changing impact of our science globally.
Our employees enjoy access to state-of-the-art technology and a diverse range of specialist training opportunities, including support for leadership and management. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.
The role:
The post holder will assist with all aspects of providing small scale manually maintained field experiments, in particular with peas and potatoes. Additionally, they will assist the Scientific Photographer in a range of duties. Candidates should have a keen interest in horticulture (gardening) and photography. A flexible approach and the capability to work independently are essential along with the ability to self-manage small scale projects.
The ideal candidate:
You will have a 5 GCSEs A*-C (or equivalent) and a keen interest in plant science. The successful candidate will also have enthusiasm for working with and caring for plants. It is desirable that they will also have skills in photography including image processing.
Additional information:
Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.
Interviews are planned to take place on 11 March 2025.
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.
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