Norwich: Where Science Thrives and Life Flourishes

In 2018, Jake Richardson made a decision that would shape both his career and his lifestyle. At the time, he was working in Oxford as an electron microscopist, building a career in plant and microbial biology. Norwich wasn’t even on his radar, until a unique opportunity changed everything.

A Career Move That Sparked Something Bigger

Jake relocated to join the John Innes Centre, part of the renowned Norwich Research Park. What drew him in wasn’t just the job itself, but the chance to work with cutting-edge technology and help establish new scientific capabilities.

The John Innes Centre (JIC) is a world-leading, independent international research institute based at the Norwich Research Park in Norfolk, England, specialising in plant science, genetics, and microbiology. Founded in 1910, it is a registered charity funded by the UKRI-BBSRC, aiming to enhance agricultural, environmental, and human health through research. As a globally recognised institution, over the last 100 years, the John Innes Centre has achieved a range of fundamental breakthroughs, resulting in major societal impacts.

For Jake, a major investment in advanced microscopy — including a £1.4 million system — created a rare opening. Jake stepped into a role where he could not only apply his expertise but help build something from the ground up.

That sense of purpose, combined with collaboration across disciplines, quickly became a defining part of his work.

“I really like the diversity of projects I get to work on… not just within the John Innes Centre, but across the wider research park.”

At Norwich Research Park, science doesn’t happen in silos. It’s a thriving ecosystem of specialists, from biologists and data scientists to engineers and support teams, all working together to answer fundamental questions. For Jake, that variety keeps every day engaging.

Jake is part of a workforce rich in global talent, where many people have chosen to relocate for the opportunities at Norwich Research Park. His own team tells that story perfectly: Eva, senior scientist, moved from Germany. Rhea, research assistant, from Essex. Viraj, support specialist, was recruited internationally from Canada after hearing about the John Innes Centre’s reputation, and Saima, support specialist, relocated to Norwich in 2025 with her husband and young daughter.

Together, they reflect what makes the research park special, a place that not only attracts exceptional people from around the world, but gives them compelling reasons to put down roots and stay.

While the role originally brought Jake to Norwich, it was the lifestyle that convinced him to stay.

Moving from Oxford, he found something unexpected: space, both financially and mentally. With a better salary and lower cost of living, he was able to move beyond simply “making ends meet” and start building a future. Eventually, he bought a home, something that hadn’t felt possible before.

But it wasn’t just about affordability.

Living in Norwich opened up a different pace of life. Close to the Norfolk Broads and beautiful countryside, Jake found himself reconnecting with something he’d always loved – nature.

Evenings could mean a walk through woodland with his dog, Angus, or a spontaneous trip to the coast. The city itself offered a welcoming, independent feel, full of local cafés, restaurants, and a strong sense of community.

“It’s nice to be able to relax… go for a walk, or just enjoy the garden. That balance is really important.”

Jake’s perspective reflects a growing shift in how people define career success. It’s about enjoying the work and the life around it.

Richard Jarmy

Norwich struck the perfect balance: big enough to offer opportunity, yet compact enough to feel personal.

Its independence stood out immediately. From thriving local businesses to a diverse food scene, the city has a character that’s hard to replicate. For Jake, it’s also a place where people feel comfortable being themselves, which is something that matters both inside and outside of work.

And connections come naturally. Many of Jake’s closest friendships have grown from the research park itself. It truly is a reflection of the collaborative, social environment it fosters.

For professionals considering a move, Norwich Research Park offers something truly unique.

It’s more than a workplace, it’s a community. With world-leading institutes, cutting-edge facilities, and continuous investment, it creates opportunities not just to work, but to grow.

Jake’s own journey is a perfect example. Starting in a specialist role, he has progressed to become Bioimaging Platform Manager, now overseeing multiple advanced microscopes and leading a team of experts.

What stands out most, though, is the culture.

“I feel like I have a voice… and I think that’s what keeps people here.”

That sense of being heard, valued, and part of something bigger is a key reason why so many professionals choose to stay, some for decades.

Jake is clear about one thing: his career is highly specialised, and movement is common in his field. But Norwich changed that.

Norwich is a city that supports excellent work. A place where investment is long-term, not short-term. Somewhere you can grow professionally while still having a life outside of it.

For Jake, Norwich isn’t a stepping stone.

It’s the place where brilliant work and real life meet in the City of Stories.

Explore opportunities on Norwich Research Park

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