Horticultural Technician (Plant Growth Facility)

We are seeking a dedicated and skilled Horticultural Technician to join The Crop Science Centre in the Plant Growth Facility, ensuring an efficient at the Crop Science Centre, supporting the Scientific Services team and ensuring the smooth operation of the Plant Growth Facility.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about supporting cutting-edge scientific research to become part of a vibrant and collaborative team of researchers and technicians. The Crop Science Centre, a partnership between the University of Cambridge and NIAB, opened in October 2020 and is home to around 80 staff and students across six research groups. The Centre provides a dynamic environment for crop research and scientific innovation aimed at solving real-world agricultural challenges.

The Plant Growth facilities consist of 6 control environment rooms and 8 reach-in chambers, with a wide variety of crops grown, including rice, maize, tomato, potato and cowpea.

The role holder will report to Dr Susana Sauret-Gueto, Scientific Services Manager. The successful candidate will have relevant experience and excellent knowledge of integrated pest management control, knowledge of controlled environmental rooms and glasshouses.

The role holder will be able to work independently with responsibility for plant care and for maintaining good horticultural practices within the Facility, including maintaining standards required for biological safety and GM containment. They will be responsible for maintaining stocks of consumables in the facility as well as keeping the organisation and cleanliness of the horticultural store, plant growth rooms and the facility in general. They will be responsible for bleaching, and autoclaving as required.

The role holder will work with the Scientific Services Manager to deliver on the needs of the CSC Plant Growth Facility, including allocation of space for plant growth and liaising with specialised contractors.

They will assist with organising exports/imports requests of plant material, dealing with APHA as needed.

The post holder will be part of a team contributing to the day-to-day operations and safety of the Crop Science Centre.

Being able to communicate timely and positively across multiple channels to diverse stakeholders is key to the role.

The ability to work under pressure at peak times and excellent attention to details are essential.

Regular van runs between CSC and Park Farm Glasshouses for transport of GM plants. Having a driver’s licence and confidence in driving shift gear is essential

At CSC we aim at creating an open working culture, fostering trust, identifying issues early and supporting continuous improvement. Please contact Dr Susana Sauret-Gueto (ss2359@cam.ac.uk) for informal enquiries.

Limited funding: The funds for this post are available for 3 years in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click 'Apply' above. 

If you have not received any response 1 month after the closing date you should consider your application to be unsuccessful. 

Please quote reference PD47460 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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