Job Title: Tissue Culture Laboratory Assistant Location: Park Farm, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9AT Starting Salary: £24,455 per annum, depending on experience. Contract: Permanent Working hours: 37 hours per week (Monday-Friday) Closing date: 30 April 2026 ABOUT THE ROLE We are looking to recruit a Tissue Culture Laboratory Assistant to work in our Crop Transformation department. The team provides specialist tissue culture and transformation expertise to academic collaborators and commercial partners across a wide range of crop species. In this hands-on laboratory role, you will support the smooth running of the Crop Transformation Group by ensuring essential materials, equipment and consumables are prepared, maintained and available. Your key responsibilities will include: • Preparing glassware, media and tissue culture stocks • Managing stock control, including ordering chemicals and consumables • Operating the autoclave for sterilisation and GM waste disposal • Assisting with GM plant care, seed harvest and seed processing • Supporting general laboratory, growth room and glasshouse tasks as required You will work across laboratory, growth room, glasshouse and office environments at our Park Farm campus. The role involves regular use of laboratory equipment such as a media maker and autoclave, and occasional manual handling of items up to 25kg. ABOUT YOU We are seeking someone who is enthusiastic, organised and keen to contribute to plant science research. You will have: • A levels or equivalent in biology, chemistry or related science subjects • Experience working in a laboratory environment • Good verbal and written communication skills • Strong numeracy and literacy • Excellent attention to detail and accuracy • Competency with Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel) • Good colour vision and manual dexterity • A positive attitude towards working with GM crops It would be an advantage if you also have experience in aseptic technique, media preparation or stock control. LOCATION The role is based at Niab’s Park Farm Campus, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9AT — just 4 miles from Cambridge city centre. The site offers free on site parking and is well connected by cycle routes and regular bus services to the city centre and railway station. It is also close to Junction 32 of the A14, with easy access to the M11, A10 and A11. Informal enquiries are welcome. Please contact: Ruth Bates, Research Scientist – ruth.bates@niab.com A full Job Description is available via the link below. ABOUT US Niab is the UK’s leading crop science organisation, with research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science, the largest national field trials capability, and strong research links with industry, Government and academia. With headquarters in Cambridge, and regional offices across the country, employing more than 300 people across the UK, Niab advances the role of plant genetic resources through research services and training. Niab’s position at the interface of academic research and commercial breeding offers opportunities for strong collaborations across the plant sciences sector. Benefits include 25 days holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme and a comprehensive training program. 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. About the Application Process Apply by clicking the Apply button above, please read the Job Description, which provide full details about the role, application process and what to expect. Important Information • This is a UK-based role. You will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process. • Where the role meets the relevant criteria, we are able to consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship in line with Home Office requirements. Any offer of sponsorship will be subject to the role meeting the skill and salary thresholds and to the individual meeting the Home Office eligibility criteria. • We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010. • Niab reserves the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time.