Research Assistant/Associate

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role
‘Do you have a passion for leading the way in new discoveries in research?' or ‘Have you got a proven record of accomplishment in delivering end to end project aims?'

We are looking for a plant pathologist to join our team to develop sustainable solutions to pathogen and pest control in vertical farming systems.

Vertical farming is one of the fastest growing innovations in farming, benefiting from advances in LED lighting technologies, sensors, environmental control and connectivity (IoT technologies). Vertical farming approaches seek to improve the efficient use of resources to increase production of high-value crops, whilst at the same time imbedding food production efficiently in the supply chain to avoid waste, reduce transport costs (and emissions) and increase sustainability.

The aim is to support in the development of diagnostic tools based on the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOC) and unique spectral characteristics to detect early stages of infection. Early detection will be used to initiate control using integrated pest management practices.

You will join a team of researchers working in partnership with InFarm (https://www.infarm.com/), Europe's leading vertical farming company, who operate a network of in-store farms for 25 major European retail chains, including Marks and Spencer who are also a member of the project team. We will work in partnership with Roboscientific who have developed innovate tools for the real-time detection of VOCs, ideally suited to vertical farming systems.

We’re celebrating 150 years of Science, Agriculture and Engineering. Although a huge amount has changed over the last 150 years, one thing has stayed the same: our commitment to making a difference. We're educating the next generation of experts and tackling the biggest challenges facing our planet. Our innovative work has always focused on making a difference to people's lives, and you can be part of it.

To apply, please complete an online application and upload a CV and a cover letter. Your cover letter is a supporting statement and you should outline how you meet the essential criteria of the role and evidence this with examples.

We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment and we would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible and/or blended working.

This is a part-time role for 20 hours per week, fixed-term until 31 May 2023.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Neil Boonham, Neil.Boonham@newcastle.ac.uk

Salary Info

Research Assistant from £29,619 to £31,411 pro-rata, per annum

Research Associate from £32,348 to £34,308, with progression to £42,155 pro-rata, per annum

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