At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research with microbiology and plant experiments in a dynamic lab environment.
- Company: Join NetZeroNitrogen, a pioneering biotech company focused on sustainable agriculture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, employee share options, flexible working, and 36 days paid leave.
- Other info: Be part of a mission-driven team with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change while developing innovative biofertilizer solutions.
- Qualifications: Previous lab experience in microbiology or plant work and strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 27000 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Initially University Park, University of Nottingham, then moving in 2026 to new lab facilities in Nottingham or Loughborough.
About NetZeroNitrogen Ltd
NetZeroNitrogen (NZN) is a pioneering biotech company developing a bacterial biofertilizer that improves plant health, increases crop yields, and reduces reliance on synthetic fertilizers. Our vision is to become a global leader with a portfolio of biological products that provide sustainable food security. Simply put, NZN products offer farmers a highly effective, natural, and cost-efficient alternative to synthetic fertilizers.
We have a small, expert team with over 20 years of combined experience, successfully translating biological nitrogen-fixation technology into commercial products. Joining NZN means being part of a mission-driven team tackling one of the biggest challenges of our time: climate change.
The Role
We’re looking for a versatile Laboratory Technician to join our team. You’ll start by supporting research staff with microbiology and plant experiments and will grow into managing prep room operations once we move lab. This is a hands-on, dynamic role where no two days are the same, and your contributions will directly impact the company’s mission.
What You’ll Do
- Assist research staff with microbiology and plant experiments, including sowing, irrigation, and seedling sampling.
- Prepare culture media, reagents, bead tubes, and plant growth substrates.
- Maintain lab equipment and cleanliness: autoclaves, glassware, benches, microwaves, centrifuges.
- Track consumables and lab stocks, refill supplies, and label materials accurately.
- Conduct routine equipment checks and maintain logs of work.
- As the lab expands in the near future: oversee prep room operations, manage inventory, support research staff, and improve lab processes while maintaining safety standards.
About You
The right candidate is enthusiastic, proactive, and thoughtful – someone who genuinely cares about their work and colleagues. Being successful in this role is as much about attitude as skills: you should be flexible, considerate, collaborative, and motivated to contribute to a mission-driven team.
You’ll have:
- Previous lab experience, ideally in microbiology or plant work.
- Core lab skills: media preparation, aseptic techniques, autoclaving, and glassware handling.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and reliability.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a small, hands-on team.
- Flexibility as responsibilities evolve with the lab move.
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary (£27,000 to £32,000, depending on experience).
- Employee share options, pension, private medical insurance, 36 days paid leave, flexible working.
- Exposure to cutting-edge biotech research and product development.
- Opportunities to take on increasing responsibility and grow with the company.
- A supportive, collaborative, and dynamic team environment where your contributions have real impact.
Application Process
Send your CV and a brief cover letter explaining your experience and interest in NZN. Please include your CV and cover letter in the same file when submitting. Shortlisting will start in early January with interviews soon after.
Other Information
You must have the right to live and work in the UK; please consult the Home Office website for guidance.
Industry: Biotechnology
Employment Type: Full-time preferred; part-time may be considered.
Laboratory Technician [Biotechnology/Plant Science] in Mansfield employer: NetZeroNitrogen
NetZeroNitrogen Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and mission-driven work environment where your contributions directly support sustainable agriculture and climate change solutions. With competitive salaries, generous benefits including employee share options and flexible working arrangements, as well as opportunities for professional growth within a collaborative team, NZN is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and support. As we transition to new lab facilities in Nottingham or Loughborough, you'll be at the forefront of cutting-edge biotech research, making a meaningful impact in the field of plant science.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Laboratory Technician [Biotechnology/Plant Science] in Mansfield
✨Get Involved in Local Research Communities
Tap into local biotechnology meetups and research forums. These are great places to mingle with industry professionals, share your passion, and even discover unadvertised job openings. It's all about getting your face known in the field!
✨Leverage University Alumni Networks
If you're a recent grad, don’t underestimate the power of your university’s alumni network! Reach out to alumni working in biotechnology to gather tips about job openings at companies like NetZeroNitrogen. You'd be surprised how willing people are to help out a fellow grad!
✨Show Off Your Projects
Curate a portfolio showcasing any research projects or internships you've completed in biotechnology. This tangible evidence of your skills can really impress employers when you chat with them at networking events or interviews. It's about making that killer first impression!
✨Stay Up-to-Date with Industry Trends
Biotech is a fast-paced field, so keeping yourself updated with the latest advancements is crucial. Attend industry conferences, webinars, or workshops to broaden your knowledge and meet potential employers. Plus, it’ll give you fantastic talking points for your interviews at places like NetZeroNitrogen!
We think you need these skills to ace Laboratory Technician [Biotechnology/Plant Science] in Mansfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Lab Skills:In the biotechnology field, it's super important to highlight your lab experience in your CV. Be sure to mention specific techniques or instruments you've mastered (think PCR, gel electrophoresis, etc.) and any relevant projects you've worked on. This will show NetZeroNitrogen that you have the hands-on skills they need.
Tailor Your Technical Skills:Make sure to emphasise your technical skills, especially those relevant to the biotechnology sector. Include any software tools or programming languages you've used, like R or Python for data analysis, which could be key for this role at NetZeroNitrogen.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Since this is a full-time role, your cover letter should reflect not only your passion for biotechnology but also your long-term career ambitions. Share why you're excited about the work that NetZeroNitrogen does and how you envision contributing to their goals. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but you're genuinely invested in this opportunity.
Include Your Papers and Projects:If you've published any papers or contributed to significant projects, mention them! These documents can boost your application and provide tangible evidence of your expertise in the biotechnology field. Don’t forget to link to any relevant publications or project summaries—this can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at NetZeroNitrogen
✨Brush Up on Lab Techniques
Since you're eyeing a full-time gig in biotechnology, make sure you're well-versed in the lab techniques relevant to the role. Be ready to talk about PCR, CRISPR, or any specific methods mentioned in the job description at NetZeroNitrogen. You might even be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these processes.
✨Know Your Bioinformatics Tools
Get comfortable with bioinformatics tools that are commonly used in the industry, like BLAST or Bioconductor. These are key in biotechnology, and having hands-on experience or at least familiarity can set you apart. Prepare to discuss any relevant projects you've worked on, especially if they involved data analysis or genomic research.
✨Show Your Teamwork Skills
Biotech often involves collaboration across multiple disciplines. Be ready to share stories that highlight your teamwork and communication skills, especially in research projects. Think about working with different teams at university or any internships – this is where you can show how well you fit into NetZeroNitrogen's culture.
✨Research Recent Biotech Innovations
Stay updated on the latest trends and breakthroughs in biotechnology. Knowing what's happening in the field can help you engage in more meaningful discussions during your interview. Bring up recent articles or advancements that excite you, especially those related to the work being done at NetZeroNitrogen. This shows your passion for the industry!
