Year in Industry

Lewis and Amelia in the lab

Why us?

So, why do your Year in Industry at the John Innes Centre? Our institute is an internationally renowned centre of excellence in plant science, genetics and microbiology. We are home to more than 40 research groups, working on a variety of plant and microbial science research projects, with a range of technology platforms and state-of-the-art scientific facilities which support our research.

A Year in Industry at the John Innes Centre will not only immerse you in this world-leading research, but also provide you insight into what it is like to work in an academic and scientific environment. This will include opportunities to attend our Friday Seminar series, collaborate with our research partners, and lead on independent science. You will also receive exceptional pastoral support throughout your time with us. Read one of our recent blogs to read previous students’ testimonials.

With our four ‘Institute Strategic Programmes’ (ISPs), whatever area of science you are interested in you will find something to suit you: Delivering Sustainable Wheat, Building Robustness in Crops, Harnessing Biosynthesis for Sustainable Food and Health, and Advancing Plant Health.

Eligibility

The JIC Year In Industry Scheme is open to UK undergraduate students only. We are offering three funded places for the academic year 2026-27. For the academic year 2025/26, two placements will be funded by the John Innes Foundation.

Students are invited to apply for a specific project proposed by our scientists, to undertake over a 9–12-month placement while based on the Norwich Research Park. We accept applications from students studying a relevant STEM subject for the project of choice.

You should be enrolled in a degree programme with a placement year.

  • Successful candidates will be paid a stipend, which for the 2026-27 intake will be set at £20,780 per annum pro rata.
  • Placements commence yearly, around September 2026.

How to apply

Applications for the 2026 intake are now closed.

Please note, due to the number of applications we receive, we are unable to extend the deadline or accept late applications. We will only be able to contact those who have been successful in being shortlisted for an interview and cannot offer feedback to those not shortlisted. If you have not heard from us by the 7th November 2025, then unfortunately your application has not been successful.

Any queries should be directed to: training@nbi.ac.uk