An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Entomology and Insectary Platform team at the John Innes Centre to support research on Invertebrate Genomics.
About the John Innes Centre
The John Innes Centre is an independent, international centre of excellence in plant and microbial genetics. We nurture a creative, curiosity-led approach to answering fundamental questions in bioscience, and translate that knowledge into societal benefits.
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.
About the Entomology and Insectary Platform
The John Innes Centre's Entomology and Insectary Platform is a unique and specialised service for supporting invertebrate-related studies. The main areas of research are on pests associated with direct crop losses or transmission of plant pathogens (bacteria and viruses) and the production of natural products of interest. The entomology team are highly experienced in the husbandry of many different species of invertebrates, as well as in the design, undertaking and overseeing of a wide range of experiments. The Entomology and Insectary Platform has recently started to work with several John Innes Centre research groups to tackle emerging challenges in invertebrate pest research by generating invertebrate genomic resources and analysing large genomic datasets using evolutionary approaches.
The role
This role involves working with the Platform's Entomology Team to design, undertake, and support invertebrate omics projects. In particular, the candidate will work closely with the Informatics and RevGen Platforms and the Hogenhout and Wells' research groups on a project aimed at trialling two approaches to sequence the genome of two insect pests of interest, Psylliodes chrysocephala and Macrosteles quadrilineatus, with the ultimate goal of establishing at JIC the capability to carry out de novo genome sequencing of small invertebrates. In addition, the post holder will assist with the day-to-day maintenance of insect colonies for research purposes, and the basic duties associated with maintaining an entomology facility to the high standards of hygiene and strict operational procedures required for operating under a Defra licence.
The ideal candidate
- You will have a MSc or a PhD in Biological Science or a similar subject.
- You will have a keen interest in entomology, demonstrable experience working in a research environment, and proven knowledge of omics approaches.
- Knowledge and experience on insect husbandry (e.g. setting up crosses and breeding), molecular biology laboratory techniques (e.g. DNA and RNA extraction), and bioinformatics (e.g. handling of sequence data, genome assembly and annotation) is highly desirable.
- Although not essential, knowledge of ecology, genetics and evolution of invertebrates and plant-insect and plant-insect-pathogen interactions will be evaluated positively.
- You will have a strong interest in pursuing a research career in entomology supporting research projects.
Additional information:
We welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time or other flexible working arrangements.
We welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time or other flexible working arrangements.
Salary: £32,578 - £35,445 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: 12 months, full-time (part-time hours will be considered)
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 5th March 2022
Reference: 1004204
Interviews will be held on 14th and 15th March 2022.
For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.jic.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450462 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004204.
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.
Contract: 12 months, full-time (part-time hours will be considered)
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 5th March 2022
Reference: 1004204
Interviews will be held on 14th and 15th March 2022.
For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website http://jobs.jic.ac.uk or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450462 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004204.
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.
