Graduate Botanical Assistant - Root Specimen Preparation

Location: Essex Basildon remote/hybrid by arrangement

Type: Freelance / Short-Term Contract / Part-Time

Duration: Initially 6-12 months, with potential extension to full time employment

Start Date: Flexible (from September 2025)

About the Role

We're looking for a detail-focused and practically skilled individual to assist in the preparation, analysis, and identification of tree root specimens as part of an applied botanical research project.

You'll be working alongside two passionate company directors and assistant researchers, exploring the anatomical structure of tree roots under microscopy and developing a system for accurate species-level identification based on physical characteristics.

What You'll Be Doing

• Preparing and cutting root samples for microscopic analysis
• Identifying species using root anatomy and morphological traits
• Creating labelled reference samples and visual records
• Advising on sample preservation, handling, and field collection
• Optionally supporting development of educational or documentation materials
• Guiding the project through the next levels as it progresses

We're Looking For

• A recent graduate in botany, plant sciences, horticulture, arboriculture, or a related field
• Basic experience with microscopy and a keen interest in plant root anatomy
• Comfort handling natural specimens and learning hands-on dissection techniques
• Good organisation and a methodical approach to work
• Bonus: Experience with botanical drawing, soil-plant relationships, or lab notebooks

What's on Offer

• Flexible, part-time working hours (remote or local)
• Supportive mentoring on botanical anatomy, microscopy, and specimen preparation
• Ideal experience for someone considering an MSc, PhD, or applied botany career
• All necessary equipment and materials provided or reimbursed

Please apply via the 'Apply' button above (e: pgaringer@gtsse.co.uk)

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