The John Innes Centre is an independent, world-leading centre of excellence in plant science, genetics and microbiology located on the Norwich Research Park.  JIC performs cutting-edge, high-quality fundamental, strategic and applied research and is one of eight BBSRC strategically funded Research Institutes. You can read more about us here.

We are looking to appoint an Independent Member for our Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI) Programme Board with significant experience in management of change involving major capital infrastructure investment and business change designed to enable the delivery of benefits.  It may be advantageous for candidates to have recent experience as a member of an executive or non-executive board or committee and experience of successful leadership in an academic, research or commercial environment.

The role

The successful candidate will support the NGI Programme Board in overseeing the delivery of a c. £400m programme of investment comprising phased roll-out of infrastructure renewal and refurbishment across its campus on the Norwich Research Park (NRP).  The investment aims to improve sustainability of the infrastructure and deliver defined benefits through improved business activities.

This role will bring the NGI Programme Board specific expertise in major public sector programme delivery with a view to ensuring good governance and appropriate challenge.

Delivering the NGI vision

The Next Generation Infrastructure (NGI) programme will deliver world-class facilities for the John Innes Centre (JIC) and The Sainsbury Laboratory (TSL) at the Norwich Research Park, supporting their Healthy Plants, Healthy People, Healthy Planet vision. Central to the programme is a new laboratory and support building that brings all JIC and TSL researchers together in a flexible, modern workplace designed to enable cutting-edge research, training, and collaboration. The building will be outward-looking, well-integrated with its surroundings, and act as a national hub for plant and microbial science, attracting collaborators, staff, and visitors.

The objectives of the investment are to:
• Create a world-leading hub with state-of-the-art facilities which will harness the collaborative environment of the Norwich Research Park and create a unique asset for UK science in line with the UK Plant Science Research Strategy.
• Connect a critical mass of research and technical expertise under one roof. Improving connectivity across the NRP.
• Create an inspiring work environment.
• The hub will attract the world’s best scientists and new businesses to Norwich, fostering interactions and catalysing new initiatives to ensure the UK remains a partner of choice for collaboration.
Inspiring the next generation of researchers, innovators and technical experts.
• Deliver a Net Zero Carbon solution based on the latest low carbon design technology.

The ideal post holder

The NGI Programme Board currently comprises senior executives of JIC (John Innes Centre), TSL (The Sainsbury Laboratory) and EI (Earlham Institute), together with an independent non-executive member of JIC Governing Council as Chair.  Additionally, a senior representative of BBSRC/UKRI as the principal funder is also a member of the NGI Programme Board.

The appointed member is expected to:
• Take part in ensuring the business of the NGI Programme Board is carried out efficiently, effectively, and in a manner appropriate for the proper conduct of public business and in the best interest of the charitable purpose of JIC.
• Engage through making rational and constructive contributions to debate and to make their knowledge and expertise available to the NGI Programme Board as opportunity arises.
• Comply with all relevant legislation and regulations relating to JIC’s charitable status and ensuring that the NGI Programme Board acts in accordance with the rules, regulations and guidance laid down by JIC Governing Council.
• Make use of skills and experience when exercising their responsibilities and play a full part in the taking of decisions.
• Act as a representative of JIC with key stakeholder

Additional information

The postholder will commit approximately 8 – 12 days per year including attending Programme Board meetings every other month on site in Norwich and preparation time for reading papers etc.  The term of the appointment is for a minimum of three years, with the possibility of serving a second term subject to approval.

The role can be carried out remotely; however, it would be desirable where possible to attend in-person Programme Board meetings on location in Norwich.  These are scheduled on a two-monthly basis.

Remuneration: Honorarium of £5,000 per annum. Expenses will be paid.

Application information

If you believe you can make a significant contribution to the governance and development of one of the world’s most renowned research institutes and can give the necessary commitment, please submit your CV and a personal statement via our website by 1 February 2026.

We reserve the right to close the advert prior to the closing date stated should we receive a high volume of applications. It is therefore advisable that you submit your application as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

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