Plant & Soil Technician – CroBio (Alderley Park, Cheshire)
Salary: £25,000-£30,000
Contract: Full-time, on-site, fixed-term 6 months with potential to become permanent
Start date: Immediate
Holiday: 28 days paid leave pro rata (including bank holidays)
Are you passionate about the future of agriculture? CroBio is an innovative agricultural biotechnology start-up looking for a dedicated Plant & Soil Technician to join our growing team. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced research environment, contributing directly to experiments that could shape the future of crop science.
The Role
As a Technician, you will be on the front lines of our research and development. Your primary focus will be the day-to-day care and detailed observation of our experimental plants. You will apply various treatments, monitor plant health, and collect crucial data to help us understand the efficacy of our agricultural innovations. From time to time, we may need you to support our microbiology research with media preparation, routine microbiological and molecular biology procedures, and general lab maintenance tasks.
Key Responsibilities
- Ensure optimal growing conditions by watering, feeding, and monitoring the general health of plants in our experimental facilities.
- Carefully administer varied treatments to designated plant groups according to strict scientific protocols.
- Take precise, regular measurements of plant growth, health metrics, and phenotypic traits, ensuring all data is accurately recorded and neatly organised.
- Assist in field work including commercial greenhouse and arable farms
- Support experiments in microbiology and molecular biology.
Who We Are Looking For
- Recently graduated with a degree in Plant Science, Agriculture, Biology, Biotechnology, or a related field.
- A meticulous approach to practical work with excellent attention to detail.
- A candidate who can commit to working on site at our Alderley Park research site and within a comfortable commutable distance.
- The ability to work independently in a fast-paced start-up environment as part of a small, close-knit team.
- The ability to maintain focus during routine measurements and repetitive tasks.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- A genuine interest in agricultural biotechnology and a desire to learn how an early-stage start-up operates.
- A full UK driving licence with access to a vehicle (expenses covered).
- Right to work in the UK and the ability to start immediately.
What We Offer
- Invaluable, hands-on greenhouse and laboratory experience.
- Flexibility for part-time or full-time roles alongside other commitments.
- Mentorship from experienced scientists and founders in the ag-biotech sector.
- A dynamic, collaborative, and welcoming team environment where your work directly impacts our research goals.
- £25,000 - £30,000 per year starting pro rata salary plus bonuses.
- 28 days paid holiday pro rata (including bank holidays).
- On-site role within a world-class science & technology campus.
- Opportunity to develop new skills and grow with the company as we expand.
- Potential to have a permanent contract.
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a brief cover letter explaining your interest in plant science and why you would be a strong fit for CroBio to hiring@crobio.com.
Note: Applications that do not include both a CV and a cover letter will not be considered.
We look forward to hearing from you.