Main Purpose of Job We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled technician to join the group of Dr Yunqing Yu at the James Hutton Institute. This project aims to develop effective genetic transformation systems for gene editing in wild barley and other Hordeum species, using various morphogenic regulators known to improve transformation and regeneration efficiency. The successful candidate will be responsible for conducting daily experiments in a tissue culture laboratory and assisting other molecular work in the lab. The candidate will work at the International Barley Hub, a part of a £62M infrastructure investment from Scottish and UK governments at the James Hutton Institute. Training opportunities for career development will be provided. This position will be fully funded for 3.5 years. Main Duties of Postholder Perform agrobacterium-mediated plant transformation or biolistics. Start and maintain tissue cultures. Monitor culture and plant growth to ensure optimal conditions and keep accurate data record. Genotype and phenotype the transformed plants. Interact with other team members and collaborators in the associated projects. Person Specification Education/Experience/Skills Essential BSc in plant science, biology, biotechnology, or a related field. Experience in preparing reagents and media. Demonstrated ability to maintain an organised and sterile workstation and ensure proper lab hygiene. Proven track record of accurate and detailed data recording. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Desirable MSc in plant science, biology, biotechnology, or a related field. Expertise in tissue culture and plant transformation. Experience with molecular biology techniques, including PCR and molecular cloning. Experience working with plants. Demonstrated ability to troubleshoot issues such as contaminations or abnormal growth patterns. What we offer 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. Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity 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. The Company The James Hutton Institute combines strengths in crops, soils and land use and environmental research, and makes a major contribution to the understanding of key global issues, such as food, energy and environmental security, and developing and promoting effective technological and management solutions to these. James Hutton (1726 – 1797) was a leading figure of the Scottish Enlightenment, an eighteenth century golden age of intellectual and scientific achievements centred on Edinburgh. He is internationally regarded as the founder of modern geology and one of the first scientists to describe the Earth as a living system. His thinking on natural selection influenced Charles Darwin in developing his theory of evolution. Our Values We respect and value our people and the people we engage with We want to make a difference We strive to be excellent in everything we do We lead by example We foster creativity and innovation Documents