Research Assistant (Entomology)
Salary: 22,000 - 26,750 per annum depending on qualifications and experience.
Contract: Indefinite, part time
Location: John Innes Centre, Norwich, UK.
Closing date: 19th November 2023
Reference: 1004562
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. Click here to find out more about working at the John Innes Centre.
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. 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 license, as well as assisting in the horticultural tasks associated with producing invertebrate food plants. Responsibilities will also include maintaining all equipment and materials in good condition, ensuring that consumables are adequately stocked, and keeping accurate records.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to maintain a wide range of invertebrates to the high standards required for research. The post holder will also have the opportunity
to learn how to design and execute experimental work (bioassays) and outreach activities.
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. A fundamental understanding of essential horticultural methods required for providing nourishment to the invertebrates will be viewed favourably. You will have experience in keeping colonies of terrestrial invertebrates. While experience working in a research environment is not essential it will be highly appreciated, and previous experience of working in a support role 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 are essential. A strong interest in pursuing a long-term career as an entomologist supporting research projects will be highly valued.
Additional information
We welcome applications from candidates seeking job-share, part-time or other flexible working arrangements. 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 1004562 .
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.
This role involves working with the Entomology Team to assist with the day-to-day maintenance of invertebrate colonies for research purposes. 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 license, as well as assisting in the horticultural tasks associated with producing invertebrate food plants. Responsibilities will also include maintaining all equipment and materials in good condition, ensuring that consumables are adequately stocked, and keeping accurate records.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop the skills necessary to maintain a wide range of invertebrates to the high standards required for research. The post holder will also have the opportunity
to learn how to design and execute experimental work (bioassays) and outreach activities.
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. A fundamental understanding of essential horticultural methods required for providing nourishment to the invertebrates will be viewed favourably. You will have experience in keeping colonies of terrestrial invertebrates. While experience working in a research environment is not essential it will be highly appreciated, and previous experience of working in a support role 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 are essential. A strong interest in pursuing a long-term career as an entomologist supporting research projects will be highly valued.
Additional information
We welcome applications from candidates seeking job-share, part-time or other flexible working arrangements. 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 1004562 .
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.