An exciting opportunity has arisen in the role of Course Director for our highly regarded MSc degree programme in Plant Genetics and Crop Improvement at 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 diverse research community includes undergraduate, MSc and PhD student cohorts. Our research expertise, together with our well established links with the plant breeding industry mean we are uniquely positioned to provide Masters level training in plant genetics and crop improvement for students wishing to develop a career in plant breeding or in plant science research. The MSc degree is conferred by our academic partner the University of East Anglia (UEA).

Our employees and students 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.

The role

The role of MSc Course Director will provide you with a broad range of responsibilities, including:
• Lead and be responsible for the strategic direction, design and delivery of the MSc degree curriculum.
• Deliver lectures, seminars, laboratory practicals and other key training to MSc students.
• As academic advisor to all MSc students, provide pastoral care and mentoring in relation to their future career progression.
• Develop and nurture further links with UK agricultural charities to secure academic scholarships for UK students.
• Identify potential sources of scholarships for international students.

In this role, you will have the opportunity to develop your skills in Masters level course design and teaching in the area of plant genetics, bioinformatics, plant biotechnology and other topics related to crop improvement in a world-renowned research and teaching environment.

The ideal candidate

You will have a first degree in a biological science and a PhD in some aspect of plant science. You will also have a track record in Higher Education teaching at Level 6 and curriculum design and delivery in some aspect of plant science (teaching at Masters Level 7 is desirable). Candidates should have strong interpersonal & communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain sound working relationships across all levels of the institute, and with our external industry and academic partners at UEA. Experience in student mentoring is not essential but would be advantageous.

Additional information

This post is available four or five days per week. Interviews will be held early to mid-June.

Please note, this post does not meet UKVI requirements to provide visa sponsorship.

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.

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