Research Assistant
Application Deadline: 3 September 2025
Department: Delivery
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Part Time
Location: Remote Facility
Compensation: £16.00 / hour
Description
Love plants, science and getting hands-on?Join the UK Agri-Tech Centre’s Innovation Hub for Controlled Environment Agriculture (IHCEA) as a Research Assistant and play a key role in supporting cutting-edge horticultural and agri-tech projects at The James Hutton Institute near Dundee. Work alongside technical specialists on technology development, commercial trials and collaborative R&D in Controlled Environment Agriculture.
We are looking for someone to work on a part-time basis, a minimum of 14 hours per month. The role will initially be offered on a 12-month fixed-term contract.
Key responsibilities
Enjoy getting stuck in? This is a proper hands-on role; if you’re the kind of person who likes rolling up your sleeves and being part of the action (not just watching from the sidelines), you’ll fit right in.
The principal duties within the role will be to provide technical support, including:
* Support crop establishment and maintenance across a range of horticultural crops
* Carry out practical tasks including cleaning, set-up, crop assessment and harvesting
* Perform technical duties as required within the IHCEA
* Monitor and adjust environmental parameters (lighting, temperature, water, pH, EC, nutrients)
* Conduct sowing, propagation, transplanting and harvesting
* Track crop development and record agronomic data (e.g. weight, height)
* Collect samples and coordinate external analysis
* Assist with experimental protocols and reporting
* Support equipment troubleshooting and maintenance (within experience level)
* Maintain general housekeeping of equipment and facilities
What we are looking for
Do you have a DIY attitude? Whether you’ve tackled a flatpack, managed fieldwork, or spent hours on practical science projects, you’re not afraid of tools or figuring out how things fit together.
Either a student/graduate in Biology/Plant Sciences or someone with equivalent experience in horticulture, greenhouse management or agricultural sciences.
You’ll bring:
* Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel and Word
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Team-oriented with good collaboration skills
* Practical problem-solving ability
* Self-motivated and capable of working independently
* Organised and able to prioritise tasks effectively
Why join us?
You could be part of a pioneering organisation driving innovation in agri-tech, whilst working in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. There is an opportunity to grow and develop within a newly established organisation, plus a range of benefits including:
* 35 days starting holiday (including Bank holidays), which increases to 38 with length of service (pro rata for part time working)
* Flexible working hours
* 4x salary life assurance
* Enhanced sick pay
* Healthcare cash plan
* EAP with 24/7 helpline and expert advice service (legal, finance, health, etc.)
* Pension salary sacrifice scheme availability
* Fees for professional memberships
* Opportunities for training and development
* Sector knowledge and experience of CEA
* Experience in delivering applied research projects
If you're passionate about driving innovation in Agri-tech and thrive in a fast-paced, relationship-focused environment, we’d love to hear from you!
In your application, include a short personal summary telling us what makes you hands-on, why you enjoy practical work and what draws you to this opportunity. This will really help us get to know the person behind the CV.
#J-18808-Ljbffr