Overview
Rhizocore Technologies applies mycological solutions for growing healthier and more resilient forests and woodlands. Symbiotic fungi represent a crucial component of a tree's soil microbiome, yet many tree planting efforts fall short of their targets due to unfavourable soil ecology, leading to higher sapling mortality, slower growth, and an increased dependence on chemical inputs.
At Rhizocore, our aim is to support woodland regeneration through the use of native and regionally-sourced mycorrhizal fungi, enabling planted trees to grow healthier, be more resilient to environmental stressors, and sequester more carbon.
Based at the
Agri - EPI Centre Northern Agri - Tech Innovation hub in Edinburgh
, we work with organisations across the UK and beyond to bioprospect mycorrhizal fungi which we culture in our laboratory facility and screen them for their efficacy in improving tree growth. A full job description is provided in
Section A
.
We are seeking a Junior Laboratory Technician with a background in
microbiology,
biochemistry, or relevant work experience in chemical analysis, or knowledge of materials science. The post holder must have the Right to Work in the UK, have a full driving licence, and be able to accommodate flexible working arrangements when working around field trips. A full candidate specification is provided in
Section B
.
Equality of opportunity is factored into all our recruitment decisions, and we welcome applicants from a diversity of backgrounds and will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for this post.
We place staff wellbeing at a premium, providing generous benefits including annual leave entitlement, flexible working hours, opportunities for continuous learning and professional development, and a pension scheme.
If you are interested in this position, please follow the guidelines in
Section C
, ensure the checklist is completed, and send all necessary documents to the provided email address. We look forward to hearing from you
No agencies please.
Section A: Job Description
This is a unique opportunity to undertake cutting-edge work in the field of applied mycology. As part of our technical team, you will support various aspects of laboratory work, primarily centred on preparing culture media and substrates, maintaining solid and liquid fungal cultures, biochemical assays, production operations, and supporting ongoing horticultural experiments with mycorrhizal tree seedlings.
This position will be based at the
Agri - EPI Centre in Edinburgh
, but will call for seasonal fieldwork assistance mostly during the autumn months for sampling wild fungi across the UK, or in late winter/early spring to conduct tree planting field trials.
Additional accountabilities include laboratory admin and housekeeping, databasing, and ensuring the highest level of laboratory practice and safety is followed in your work.
Hours of work:
Full time
Contract type:
12 Month Contract
Contracted hours:
34 hours per week
Salary:
£
22,276
per annum pro rata
Location:
Agri - EPI Centre, Northern Agri -Tech Innovation hub
, Edinburgh, Scotland
Reports to (position):
Laboratory Manager
Closing date:
31st October 2025
Start date:
ASAP
Accountabilities
1. Perform routine laboratory work involving media and substrate preparation, fungal culture preparation and maintenance, biochemical assays, and horticultural work to support scientific experiments and production operations.
2. Undertake seasonal assistance during fungal collection trips and tree planting field trials, involving travel and physical activity.
3. Assist the technical team with administrative laboratory tasks, databasing, and task planning to a high standard.
This post will be supervised by the Laboratory Manager.
Section B: Candidate Specification
Essential
* Education to BSc or equivalent in
microbiology
and/or
biochemistry
, OR relevant practical experience in a similar line of work
* Ability to work in a productive team to meet short task deadlines
* Excellent organisation skills, time management and accuracy in planning work
* Full driving licence
Desirable
* Previous work experience in a laboratory or production/manufacturing environment
* Experience operating laboratory equipment such as laminar flow hoods and autoclaves
* Demonstrable experience with aseptic technique and/or microbiology
* Subject knowledge in mycology and/or horticulture
Section C: Application Procedure
To be considered for the position, applicants must provide the documents listed below.
Document 1: Cover Letter
* Please provide examples of your relevant skills, abilities, knowledge and experience to support your application for this role. Please refer to the essential criteria in Section B (up to 2,000 words).
Document 2: CV
* Education and employment history
* Contact details for two referees
Once completed, please email your documents with the following subject line
JOB APPLICATION - Junior Laboratory Technician
to the following email address:
We look forward to hearing from you
Best wishes,
The Rhizocore team