Plant Science Research Assistants (Two Posts) - Crop Science and Production Systems

Location: NIAB East Malling, New Road, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ

Working hours: 37 per week, Monday-Friday 

ABOUT THE JOB 

The purpose of the role is to provide technical support to research and commercial projects within the Crop Science and Production Systems Department. Working in the Research and Development vineyard, in our soft fruit polytunnels, in our controlled environment rooms, and in our new total controlled environment agriculture (Total Controlled Environment Agriculture units), the role is focused on helping to develop new growing practices and systems that utilise resources more efficiently, reduce waste and emissions to land air, and water, and improve productivity and product quality. 

As a Plant Science Research Assistant, your key duties include: 

• Setting up experimental areas
• Conduct experimental work
• Data collection
• Reporting of results
• Assisting and guiding colleagues, i.e. supervising temporary junior staff and students 

The role offers an opportunity to develop a range of practical and professional skills in teamwork, time management, communication, and practical problem-solving. 

Location 

The role is based at East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ. East Malling is three miles from junction four of the M20, with plenty of free on-site parking. NIAB East Malling can easily be accessed by the London Victoria to Dover (via Ashford International) rail route via West Malling station. Alternatively, exit the train at the East Malling station and take the short walk onto site. 

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Mike Davies, Crop Science and Production Systems Department, mike.davies@niab.com 

Benefits include 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, flexible working, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme, free on-site parking and great colleagues. 

ABOUT YOU 

Essential requirements

Ideally, you have: 

• BSc in crop science, plant breeding, agronomy, botany, biology or other relevant experience/qualification
• Skills in the operation and maintenance of various laboratory and field equipment
• Willingness to work flexibly to deal with fluctuations in workload and requirements to meet deadlines - including occasional weekends
• A driving licence or access to independent means of travelling, enabling regular travel to experimental locations and occasional travel to NIAB sites elsewhere in Great Britain.
• Excellent interpersonal skills as well as organisational, numeracy, data handling and IT skills 

Desirable requirements

Ideally, you will also have: 

• Experience in the horticultural industry and direct experience working with plant material
• Experience in developing and deploying precision technologies in horticulture and/or agriculture
• Good understanding of experimental design, replication, blocking etc. as well as analytical and problem solving skills.
• Experience in using statistical and graphic packages 

See full Job Description on our website for more details. 

ABOUT US 

Come and join an organisation at the forefront of the application of genetics, physiology, soil science, precision agronomy and data science to improve the yield, efficiency, and resilience of crop production across the arable, forage and horticulture sectors. NIAB is a dynamic, research led and market driven plant bioscience organisation, with an emphasis on innovative applications for end-users in the agricultural, horticultural and food sectors.  

NIAB East Malling https://www.niab.com/research/horticultural-crop-research  

NIAB actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability. 

TO APPLY 

Apply soon as we may shortlist prior to the closing date.         

Click the ‘Apply’ button or visit our website https://www.niab.com/careers  for further details and to apply directly. Any questions? Email jobs@niab.com or call Human Resources on 01732 523797.

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