Research Assistant (Entomology and Insectary Platform) Maternity Cover
John Innes Centre
Norwich, NR4 7UH
Job Description
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Entomology and Insectary Platform team at 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.
About the Entomology and Insectary Team:
The John Innes Centre’s Entomology and Insectary Platform is a unique and specialised service for supporting invertebrate-related studies. It is managed by a skilled team of entomologists with extensive experience 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 not only support excellent research within the John Innes Centre, but also engage in national and international collaborations with academic and commercial partners.
The role:
This role involves working with the Entomology Team to assist with the day-to-day maintenance of invertebrate colonies for research purposes, as well as providing support and guidance to the users of the facility. This will involve performing the essential duties associated with maintaining an entomology facility to high standards of hygiene and strict operational procedures required for operating under a Defra licence, as well as assisting in the horticultural tasks associated with producing invertebrate food plants. In addition, the post holder will support research projects by designing and conducting assays using live invertebrates and will be involved in training and supporting users of the facility. Responsibilities will also include maintaining all equipment and materials in good condition, ensuring that consumables are adequately stocked, and keeping accurate records.
This post is available at either SC8 or SC7 level; candidates who meet the additional requirements listed will be considered for the SC7 level.
The ideal candidate:
You will have 5 GCSEs at grades A-C- it is desirable that the post holder will have A-levels or equivalent in Biology or a related subject.
You will have a keen interest in entomology and demonstrable knowledge of invertebrate biology and invertebrate rearing techniques and experience in keeping colonies of terrestrial invertebrates. Experience designing and executing bioassays with live invertebrates and working in a research environment in a support role will be highly appreciated. Invertebrate identification skills and awareness of plant health and animal trade regulations will also be considered positively.
A high level of attention to detail, strong communication and organisational skills, and a commitment to maintaining the highest standards by developing and following standard operating procedures and keeping accurate records are essential.
You will need to be willing to work out of hours when required to keep colonies or carry out experiments, and able to undertake occasional travel for field work or off-site meetings with collaborators or participating in conferences and other events.
Additional information:
Salary on appointment will be within the range £22,000 to £26,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience for the SC8 level role, and £27,750 to £34,500 per annum for candidates who meet the SC7 level criteria. This is a full-time maternity cover post expected to last for 12 months- this could be shorter or longer depending on when the absent employee returns to work.
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 shortage occupation list.
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 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004525.
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.
The closing date for applications will be 1 October 2023.
Salary
Salary on appointment will be within the range £22,000 to £26,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience for the SC8 level role, and £27,750 to £34,500 per annum for candidates who meet the SC7 level criteria.
Hours
37
How to apply
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 450814 or nbi.recruitment@nbi.ac.uk quoting reference 1004525.