Pathology Technician

Niab is a leading crop science organisation with a long history of support and service in UK agriculture. It stands at the forefront of research in plant genetics, pathology, agronomy, farming systems, and data science. We are seeking an enthusiastic and organised, trainee Technician to be part of our well-established Pathology team to supporting UK arable farming, both through contract work for APHA, AHDB and commercial pathology trials.

ABOUT THE JOB

As a Pathology Technician, you will:

• Assist with the setting up of pathology field, glasshouse and growth cabinet trials.
• Collect, isolate and maintain plant pathogens.
• Apply pathogen inoculum to plants, collect infected plant material and assess the levels of infection on plant material both in situ and in the laboratory environment.
• Assess trials, process and interpret disease data and have an awareness of a range of nutritional, bacterial, fungal and pest symptoms in the field.
• Contribute to research projects when required.
• Oversee growth rooms and lab equipment, keeping growth rooms and laboratory space clean and tidy.

Salary: from £23,088 per annum, depending on experience with paid overtime being available.

Contract: Permanent

Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday

WHY JOIN US?

• Motivated Team: Our Plant Pathology team is a vibrant community of over 20 staff, PhD students, and visiting workers.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: Includes extensive walk-in growth rooms, glasshouses, and well-equipped laboratories.
• Field Trials Across Cambridgeshire and Norfolk: Trials are situated at a range of different sites.
• Variety: Your work will span the laboratory, field, and office, adapting to the seasons. You will be working with a wide range of crops and pathogens.
• Challenge: Occasional weekend work and unsociable hours may be necessary as we tackle real-world problems and need to work outside core hours.
• Physical Engagement: From standing and walking to occasional manual handling, it is an active role requiring a reasonable level of physical fitness.

ABOUT YOU

To succeed, you will need:

• A formal qualification in crop sciences / agronomy (preferably with some crop pathology knowledge).
• A full UK driving licence and a willingness to drive light passenger vehicles as the site is inaccessible by public transport.
• The ability to organise your time and prioritise your work.
• Consistent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience with plant pathology and culturing fungi, bacteria or oomycetes (an understanding of UK arable crop production systems is desirable).
• Competency in relevant Microsoft Office applications.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Flexibility, proactive attitude, and self-motivation.

LOCATION

You will be based in our state-of-the-art facilities at Niab Park Farm, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9NZ which is equipped with molecular biology and plant growth amenities, including extensive glasshouses, walk-in growth rooms, and containment units for genetically modified plant trials. As a member of the Niab team, you will be contributing to the Crop Science Centre, an alliance between Niab and the University of Cambridge, with a shared vision to deliver sustainable food production across the UK. With over 250 hectares of commercial cropping and field trials, Niab provides an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in advancing the science of crop cultivation.

Cambridge Park Farm site: https://www.niab.com/about/locations/park-farm

BENEFITS

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, employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and free on-site parking.

TO APPLY

Informal enquiries are welcome. Please contact Lesley Boyd: lesley.boyd@niab.com or Sandra Chapman: sandra.chapman@niab.com

Click the ‘Apply’ button for further details and to apply directly. Any questions? Email: jobs@niab.com or call Human Resources on: 01223 342282.

Closing date: 24 November 2024.

Interview date: 10 December 2024.

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.

Please note that following changes to Immigration Law in April 2024, this role does not qualify for a Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Candidates with independently held immigration permission would be considered.