An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to join the Balk Group at the John Innes Centre, working on cutting-edge science in the field of Biochemistry and Metabolism.

About the Balk Group:

The Balk group conducts research to improve nutritional traits in crops. A long-running interest is to increase the amount of iron in bioavailable form by studying iron transport, storage mechanisms and regulation. Some of the research has been incorporated in a spin-out company, HiFe Plants, which develops high-iron traits through small genetic changes. The first crop prototype, a pea variety with 10 times more iron in shoots, is being commercialized for plant-based iron supplements, as a food ingredient or fresh salad leaves.

The role:

This fixed-term position provides a unique opportunity to develop new laboratory skills as well as assist with developing plant-based food and supplement products.

The Research Assistant will collect high quality data on high-iron plant material for a Novel Foods dossier to be submitted to EFSA. They will also carry out small-scale trials of ferritin extraction that take into consideration cost, food safety, and the ability to upcycle byproducts into side streams.

The ideal candidate:

Candidates should have an MSc in Biochemistry, Chemistry, Biology or a related discipline with previous experience in protein purification, quantification of specific proteins and small molecules. Good communication and organisation skills with the ability to work independently are also required.

The position is for 12 months in the first instance but may be extended depending on further grant income and spin-out investments.

Additional information:

This role is not suitable for first-time Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. However, some individuals may be eligible for an alternative visa depending on their personal circumstances, you can read more about the visa options here.

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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