Job Title: Laboratory Support Technician
Location: Park Farm Campus, Cambridge, CB24 9AT
Salary: £24,455 per annum
Contract: Maternity cover role from August 2026 to end April 2027
Working hours: 37 hours per week
Closing date: 23 June 2026
Are you looking to gain hands on experience in a scientific laboratory environment and develop your skills in Seed Science? This maternity cover position offers an excellent opportunity to join NIAB’s Official Seed Testing Station (OSTS) and support the delivery of essential seed testing services for the UK.
We are seeking a Laboratory Support Technician (Maternity Cover) to provide vital support to our seed analysts during a period of parental leave. This fixed term role is ideal for someone who enjoys practical work, is highly organised, and is keen to contribute to the smooth running of a busy laboratory.
About the Role
As part of Niab’s Analytical Services team, you will work primarily within the Official Seed Testing Station (OSTS), supporting statutory and commercial seed testing for DEFRA and the UK seeds industry. Your work will help ensure the quality, purity and germination performance of agricultural seed lots.
This maternity cover role includes:
•Registering incoming seed samples using a bespoke system
•Dividing and preparing seed samples for testing
•Preparing growth media (compost, sand and paper)
•Planting a wide range of agricultural species for germination tests
•Maintaining a clean supply of laboratory equipment
•Routine data entry of test results
•Supporting administrative procedures for reporting test types
You may also support other areas of Analytical Services, including biochemistry and pathogen diagnostics laboratories, depending on operational needs.
The role can be physically demanding at times, involving occasional handling of seed bags and compost sacks up to 10 kg, and managed exposure to chemical seed treatments.
Due to seasonal workload peaks, annual leave may be restricted during the harvest period (August–October).
ABOUT YOU
We are looking for someone who can step confidently into a busy laboratory environment and support the team during this maternity cover period. You should be methodical, reliable, and able to manage changing priorities with a calm and organised approach.
Essential Requirements
•A good general standard of secondary education, including relevant GCSEs
•Basic understanding of laboratory working practices, including Health & Safety and Good Laboratory Practice (GLP)
•Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
•Good verbal and written communication skills
•Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
•Good computer literacy, including office software eg. Word and Excel
•Willingness to learn new skills
Desirable Requirements
•Experience working independently in a laboratory
•Basic knowledge of botany or agriculture
•Ability to work confidently without direct supervision
Location
The role is based at Niab Park Farm Campus, Villa Road, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9AT, 4 miles from Cambridge city centre. Free on-site parking and linked by cycle ways and regular buses to Cambridge city centre and railway station. Close to Junction 32 of A14, with easy access to M11, A10 and A11.
Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Asia Roberts-Yalland, OSTS Manager - Quality Systems ([email protected]).
ABOUT US
Niab is the UK’s leading crop science organisation, with research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science, the largest national field trials capability, and strong research links with industry, Government and academia. With headquarters in Cambridge, and regional offices across the country, employing over 350 people across the UK, NIAB advances the role of plant genetic resources through research services and training. Niab’s position at the interface of academic research and commercial breeding offers opportunities for strong collaborations across the plant sciences sector.
Niab actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability.
Benefits include 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, flexible working, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme, free on-site parking and great colleagues.
About the Application Process
Apply by clicking the Apply button above, please read the Job Description, which provide full details about the role, application process and what to expect.
Important Information
•This is a UK-based role. You will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process.
•Where the role meets the relevant criteria, we are able to consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship in line with Home Office requirements. Any offer of sponsorship will be subject to the role meeting the skill and salary thresholds and to the individual meeting the Home Office eligibility criteria.
•We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010.
•Niab reserves the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time
