Research Assistant – Rothamsted Research

Contract:            Full Time, Permanent

Hours:                37.5 Monday – Friday

Location:            Rothamsted Research

Reporting to:      Capability Manager

Crop Health and Protection (CHAP) Ltd is one of four UK Agri-Tech Centres launched under BEIS supported by Innovate UK in 2015. As a unique, independent nexus between UK government, researchers and industry, CHAP builds innovation networks to identify and accelerate the development of cutting-edge solutions to drive transformative change in sustainable crop productivity.

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a research assistant role to support the CHAP Digital Phenotyping facilities at its partner organisation, Rothamsted Research at its site in Harpenden.

As a member of the CHAP Operations team, the postholder will use their interest in Agritech and Plant traits, pests & disease to deliver projects related to the CHAP Digital Phenotyping Facilities.  The selected individual will be expected to collaborate closely with staff onsite and the wider CHAP team (remote).

The successful applicant will join a team of specialists with access to cutting edge technology to support the delivery of projects which may include using advanced sensors to detect plant traits, disease and mollusc pests; measuring and recording biological data; plant maintenance; culture maintenance; lab maintenance; assay development and more.

The role holder will organise their day-to-day work to reach specific goals. To provide a high-quality professional service to CHAP colleagues, the position will demand excellent communication skills, flexibility, enthusiasm, and initiative, as well as the ability to work independently and as part of a team. To succeed, the applicant must be thorough and careful in their approach to duties. Excellent IT abilities, including knowledge of a variety of Microsoft software and internet applications, are required.

The successful candidate should be committed to working in and contributing to an environment of continuous improvement and will contribute towards the ongoing development and implementation of effective procedures and systems supporting research contracts and interfaces with other teams.

Specific responsibilities will evolve as research outcomes are evaluated and you will have the opportunity to shape this as a critical member of the team.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• Using advanced sensors/imaging equipment to detect plant traits, disease and mollusc pests
• Measuring and recording biological data
• Plant growth and maintenance
• Culture maintenance
• Lab maintenance
• Assay development
• Contributing to experimental design
• Evaluate protocols, recommend improvements, make ongoing recommendations and implements changes
• Record keeping
• Report writing
• Desk-based research activities, and collaborating with members of the wider CHAP network

Skills, Experience, and Behaviours – Essential

• Biology/Plant Science graduate; degree or equivalent
• Experience in a lab environment – specific training will be given
• Laboratory or glasshouse-based research experience
• Understanding of good laboratory practice and the importance of Health & Safety
• Competence in the MS Office suite of software (required)
• Experience in project management (desirable)

Personal Skills – Essential

• Enthusiastic
• Organised
• Attentive to detail
• Good time management skills
• Team player
• Self-motivated, able to work without direct supervision
• Computer proficient with ability to learn new software (for vendor specific instruments)

For more information and an informal confidential discussion please e-mail your CV and covering letter TO officemanager@chap-solutions.co.uk