Group Leader in Discovery Plant Sciences

Group Leader in Discovery Plant Sciences

Job Title Group Leader in Discovery Plant Sciences Post Number Closing Date 25 Aug 2025 Starting Salary Competitive salary

Hours per week 37 Months Duration 72

Job Description Main Purpose of the Job Create and lead an internationally excellent, independent discovery programme in fundamental plant biology.

Key Relationships The post holder will work closely with the Director, Senior Management team and scientists within JIC and other stakeholders across the NRP.
Internal: Work collaboratively with all levels of staff within the Institute to enhance the Institute's research and capabilities.
External: Work collaboratively with staff on the NRP, collaborators, external academic collaborators, funding bodies, Government and other stakeholders to enhance the Institute's research and capabilities.

Main Activities & Responsibilities Lead and manage an internationally recognised, high-profile and innovative research programme on a fundamental aspect of plant biology. Make significant contributions to strategic thinking and planning of research. Lead and manage a research team, taking responsibility for its outputs and impact. This will include selecting, supervising, mentoring, training and providing wellbeing support for postdoctoral researchers, technicians, students and visitors, supporting effective career development, maintaining high levels of performance in the team, and maintaining a positive research culture. Disseminate research findings through the publication of peer-reviewed research papers, consolidate the Institute's international scientific reputation through participation in national and internal conferences and provision of expert commentary in a variety of media. Submit grant proposals across a broad range of potential funders, securing substantial research funding to support the research programme. Ensure that research and record keeping is carried out in accordance with best practice, institute policies and procedures and legal requirements. Ensure that the research team complies with health and safety policy and guidance documents, and with quality assurance and data management procedures. Manage the research group's budgets for consumables, grants and other funding, making cost-effective use of resources and minimising waste. Enhance the wider social and economic impact of the Institute's research through influencing and developing partnerships and commercial opportunities with government, industry and other external parties. Positively contribute to the effective leadership and management of the institute, through additional responsibilities, including committee and steering group membership, as and when required. Commit to public engagement/science communication activities that raise the institute's profile and public awareness of science. Act as an ambassador for the institute. Any other duties that may be required, which are commensurate with the role of Group Leader.

Person Profile Education & Qualifications Requirement Importance PhD or equivalent in relevant subject Essential Substantial postdoctoral research experience Essential

Specialist Knowledge & Skills Requirement Importance Deep and broad understanding of the scientific background of the proposed research programme Essential Significant track record of internationally competitive research achievement, supported by a strong publication record in peer reviewed journals Essential Knowledge of JIC/NRP research fields, underpinning an explanation of the benefits of locating the proposed research programme at JIC Essential Success in leading research and initiating interdisciplinary collaborations Essential Capacity to envisage and articulate the longer-term objectives and impact of the proposed research programme Essential Ability to formulate and lead a research programme that will deliver innovative, world-class science on a topic in discovery plant science of broad fundamental interest Essential Measures of esteem such as international invited talks, editorial appointments, membership of external grant or appointments panels etc (essential for Tenured appointments) Desirable

Requirement Importance Demonstrated ability to plan and prioritise to ensure scientific ideas translate into delivery of research outcomes Essential Demonstrated commitment to the highest levels of integrity and best practice in science and scientific management Essential Experience of motivating, managing and mentoring team members, including objective setting and regular informal and formal reviews of progress (essential for Tenured appointments). Desirable Evidence of winning external funding for the maintenance of a successful and sustainable research team (essential for Tenured appointments). Desirable Research project leadership and management experience in stand-alone and collaborative projects (essential for Tenured appointments). Desirable

Interpersonal & Communication Skills Requirement Importance Strong team player: working with others with different skill sets to reach a common goal, sharing information and supporting colleagues Essential Effective and appropriate communication with people at all levels both inside and outside the Institute Essential Development and articulation of innovative approaches and cohesive scientific plans Essential Open-minded, determined and resilient approach to scientific planning and management Desirable Creation and fostering collaborative research networks Desirable

Additional Requirements Requirement Importance Attention to detail Essential Ability to travel nationally/internationally to facilitate collaborations and/or present seminars. (Reasonable adjustments will be considered. The Institute recognises the need for work-life balance/the need to support those with caring responsibilities), Essential Exhibits a high level of motivation combined with a flexible approach Essential Promotes equality and values diversity, embraces the expected values and behaviours of all staff ensuring JIC is a great place to work Essential Exhibits enthusiasm for an immediate or future role in leading and developing JIC science and values, both within the Institute and wider Essential Promotes equality and values diversity 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. Any candidate who would like further information on current or anticipated immigration requirements can contact the HR Team on (0) or .

We are proud to hold a prestigious Athena SWAN Gold award , recognising the impact of our work in promoting gender equality in science. We are also a proud member of the Stonewall Diversity Champion's programme , a founding signatory of the Tecnician Commitment and, as a Disability Confident employer, guarantee to offer an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

The John Innes Centre is a registered charity (No. 223852), limited by guarantee (registered in England No. 511709).

Department To be agreed

You will work alongside a diverse community of researchers across various disciplines, including expertise in mathematics, physics, chemistry and structural biology, as well as plant and microbial scientists, fostering a collaborative environment that encourages input at all levels. JIC offers substantial support for professional development, research, and administrative tasks. Start-up research funding will be provided, in addition to well-funded facilities and extensive support.

The John Innes Centre is part of the wider vision of the Norwich Research Park (NRP ), along with The Sainsbury Laboratory , which focuses on plant-microbe interactions and crop diseases, The Earlham Institute which studies living systems with a strong emphasis on evolutionary functional genomics and informatics, and The Quadram Institute which has leading programmes on food science, nutrition, and gut microbiology. The NRP also hosts one of the largest teaching hospitals in the UK , with research strengths in gut health and nutrition, and the University of East Anglia , which has world-leading research in climate science and international development, as well as strong science and engineering faculties. Collectively, the NRP employs around 3000 PhD scientists and is a vibrant, collaborative and intellectually stimulating research environme

Group Leader in Discovery Plant Sciences

The John Innes Centre (JIC) seeks a visionary Group Leader to lead research on Discovery Plant Science. We welcome applications from scientists with expertise in any aspect of fundamental plant science, including but not limited to, growth and development, environmental interactions, seasonal biology, cellular signalling, genetics, epigenetics and transcription.

This position will primarily focus on fundamental discovery plant science, with opportunity to access JIC's extensive resources and state-of-the-art plant growth facilities. By joining a vibrant plant and microbial research community, there are also opportunities for the candidate's research to synergise with that of others click apply for full job details