Laboratory Technician - Glasshouse Assistant

The postholder will split their time between the Nematode Diagnostic Service (October to April) and the potato breeding glasshouses (April to October).

The Nematode Diagnostic Service analyses soil samples provided by customers for plant-parasitic nematodes (and associated nematode transmitted viruses) relevant to a range of crops grown in the UK and beyond. JHL also undertakes potato breeding for a range of commercial customers. This involves significant glasshouse work including potato crossing seed extraction and processing transplanting seedlings and general maintenance and care of potato plants.

We are seeking a candidate who has basic laboratory skills experience in the use of wet soil science especially associated with nematodes. . Most of the work will involve working with potato soft fruit and barley samples the post-holder will be provided with full training in all the diagnostic services offered. You are expected to be well organised have good record keeping skills and pay attention to detail. You will be responsible for the high-throughput processing of samples and must be able to keep to tight deadlines have good communication skills and be able to work independently and as part of a team. On occasion you may be expected to assist in other activities e.g. planting or harvesting field trials carrying out crop disease assessments and assisting in the maintenance of glasshouse plants.

Main Purpose of Job

• Support the potato breeding team during the peak season with a variety of horticultural tasks
• Support the commercial nematode diagnostic service

Main Duties of Postholder

• Extract nematodes from soil samples provided by customers
• Wash plant roots and manually inoculate test plants to check for the presence of Tobacco Rattle Virus
• Assist with the commercial potato crossing program.
• Transplant and care for first-year glasshouse-grown potato seedlings.
• Perform general plant care and maintenance throughout the growing season.
• Support planting maintenance and harvesting of new and existing glasshouse populations for research purposes.
• Assist with seed extraction and processing.
• Contribute to other glasshouse-based tasks.

Person Specification

Education/Experience/Skills

Essential

• Strong work ethic
• Basic laboratory skills (ideally at least one years experience)
• High accuracy and attention to detail
• Good organisational and record keeping skills
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office particularly Word and Excel
• Knowledge of manual inoculation of plants
• Accurate record keeping
• Working in a laboratory glasshouse or field environment
• Must have the ability to work effectively as part of a group and individually
• Capable of multitasking and performing repetitive tasks accurately.

Desirable

• HND or BSc (preferably in a biological science) or equivalent industry experience
• Experience of nematode extraction using Baermann Funnel technique
• Self-motivation and patience
• Passionate about plants horticulture and agriculture.
• Full Driving Licence

Benefits offered

Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - A confidential service available to support employees and their families with work or personal problems. Providing access to professional counsellors psychologists and work-life consultants available to help and support individuals in tackling all types of problems.

Annual Leave Generous entitlement up to 40.5 days a year with carry over possible and guaranteed time-off for Christmas.

Pension - Employer Contribution of 15% in a Personal Pension Plan and employee contribution flexibility.

Self-managed hours and Flexible Working option to manage and spread your working time in line with organisational needs to create a healthy work life balance.

We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.

The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Silver Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.

The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.