Working at the John Innes Centre

The benefits and opportunities, plus the joys of living and working in Norwich and Norfolk

Our scientific reputation is built on our commitment to training future scientists and developing staff to achieve their full potential.

We provide a broad range of opportunities for personal and career development for all staff and students to enable ‘lifelong employability’. We aim to equip staff and students with transferable skills for their chosen career pathway.

We are proud of our inclusive research culture, and we ensure everyone has the opportunity to contribute to life here. Mechanisms to enable this include our Employee Consultation Forum and the ‘Voices’ (groups that represent Postgraduate Research Students, Research & Support Staff and Postdocs on key committees, and meet regularly with the Director).

We value the diversity of staff and students and are committed to the creation of a positive environment which is fair, welcoming and inclusive and where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

In 2017, we were awarded a Gold Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to supporting gender equality in science, and our work in creating a supportive environment that benefits everyone. This was renewed in 2023 and remains valid until June 2028.

In our 2022 Review of Research Culture, the most common words used to describe the culture at JIC were: collaborative, inclusive, welcoming, collegiate, supportive, excellence, dedicated, international, family, challenging, and open to ideas. This was echoed in our 2024 Staff Survey, where 88% of respondents said they would recommend JIC as a great place to work. Feedback included: “I love working for JIC. Not only is the science great but also the institute manages to create a collaborative and inclusive atmosphere helping everyone to feel welcome and supported

As a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment we have pledged to improve the visibility, recognition, sustainability and career development of technical staff at the institute and beyond.

Whether you have a passion for supporting scientific excellence or progressing fundamental or strategic plant and microbial science the John Innes Centre is the place for you.