Senior Research Technician in Cranfield

This role supports and delivers research in plant and soil sciences in laboratory, glasshouse and field-based environments with an emphasis on “postharvest” research concerning biology and technologies for extending the shelf-life and quality of fresh fruit and vegetables. It also supports student learning and development (both MSc and PhD) by delivering training and guidance for projects in your own area of expertise. SABS has internationally-recognised expertise across both domestic and international food supply chains, from soil science to postharvest quality. Our work is truly global, reaching across Europe, Sub-Saharan Africa, South America and SE Asia, working with agribusiness to address the challenges of environmental sustainability and food security.

You will be educated to Level 4 (HND) as a minimum in a relevant subject and have significant experience in a relevant technical role: setting up experimental trials, using/maintaining laboratory and field-based experimental equipment. With good written and verbal communication skills, you will have the ability to interpret complicated instructions, analyse requirements and implement detailed specifications. You will also have a working knowledge of health and safety procedures and the ability to learn new skills. Ideally, you will have experience of HPLC and/or postharvest biology.

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world-class expertise, large-scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. The university seeks to grow as a world-class research centre dedicated to understanding soil, plant, and microbial systems, with the aim of tackling global food and environmental challenges. We host world-leading groups in postharvest biology and in food safety related to mycotoxins and microbiological spoilage. Our plant and microbial scientists link to our soils research through understanding rhizosphere processes and root trait genetics.

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family friendly employers in the UK. As part of our commitment to support and develop technical staff across the University, we are a founding signatory of the Science Council's Technician Commitment.

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on-site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.