Entomology Research Assistant

Contract: Part time, 8 months

Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an enthusiastic and motivated Research Assistant to join the Crop Genetics Department at the John Innes Centre, working on RNA based controls for cabbage stem flea beetle. 

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.  

Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre. 

Background: 

Oilseed rape has traditionally been grown as the most profitable break crop. However, a loss of chemical controls for cabbage stem flea beetle has resulted in a decline in cropping area which poses a serious risk to the viability of the crop in the UK. The control of insect pests via RNAi offers an exciting new approach.

This project is in collaboration with a worldwide company focussing on innovative new technologies and novel ways to sustainably solve future market needs. The researcher will have links with the JIC Entomology platform, a team of skilled entomologists who have extensive experience of invertebrate husbandry and assay development. 

The role: 

We are seeking a Research Assistant to join the laboratory of Dr Rachel Wells. Using the resources developed at JIC, the Research Assistant will support the development of RNA based control methods for CSFB. The successful candidate will join the CSFB team and perform CSFB husbandry and phenotyping of product efficacy. 

The ideal candidate: 

The ideal candidate will have a degree in entomology, biology (or a related subject area) and have experience of maintaining insect colonies, insect experimentation and plant growth. Previous experience of research, experimental design, data collection, data handling is desirable. Experience in conducting insect phenotyping assays would be advantageous. 

Additional information: 

Interviews will be held on 19 September 2024. 

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. Please click here to find out if you qualify before applying. Please note, the occupation code for this role is 2119, which is not on the immigration salary list. 

For further information and details of how to apply, please visit our website or contact the Human Resources team on 01603 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004726. 

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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