At a Glance
- Tasks: Support tissue culture pipelines and lab tasks with a team of scientists.
- Company: Join Wild Bioscience, an innovative Oxford University spin-out focused on sustainable crop enhancement.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, private medical insurance, and regular team socials.
- Other info: Work on-site in Milton Park, Oxfordshire, and be part of a passionate team.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global food sustainability while working in cutting-edge science.
- Qualifications: A science degree is preferred but not essential; attention to detail is key.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated technician to join the Wild Carbon Team. This role will support the translation of Wild innovations from laboratory research to real‑world application, contributing to gigaton‑scale carbon removal strategies.
This is an exciting cross‑disciplinary scientific technician position operating at the interface of molecular biology and trait validation. If you’re excited by biochemical assays and developing scalable crop technologies for carbon sequestration, this role is for you.
Qualifications and Skills
- BSc or MSc in Biology, biochemistry, or a related field.
- Experience in conducting, analysing, and optimising enzymatic assays, preferably also on plant material.
- Experience in general molecular biology protocols such as DNA/RNA extraction, PCR and cloning.
- Experience in growing and maintaining plants such as Arabidopsis is desirable but not essential.
- Evidence of experimental design, data analysis, and problem‑solving skills.
- Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
- Proactive in taking initiative where needed with tasks that have not been assigned.
- Be a team player in a multi‑disciplinary environment, building relationships, and gaining trust from others through honesty, compassion, and authenticity.
- Have a curious and courageous mindset, enjoy stepping up to try new things in a changing environment, and taking initiative where there is often ambiguity.
Responsibilities
- Conduct, analyse, and optimise enzymatic/biochemical workflows to deliver actionable insights.
- Assist in developing and executing crop pipelines involved in measuring carbon removal.
- Assist with plant genetic transformations and carry out general molecular biology pipelines such as DNA/RNA extractions, PCR and cloning.
- Collaborate with the plant care team to support optimal crop development and monitoring.
- Troubleshoot and optimise trait‑testing workflows while maintaining accurate records in Electronic Lab Notebooks (ELN).
- Contribute to SOPs, databases, technical reports, and presentations.
- Support and mentor colleagues, fostering a collaborative, innovative, and knowledge‑sharing environment.
- Work closely with scientists to integrate data and implement improvements in carbon‑related crop traits to drive measurable progress.
Benefits
- Group life cover x 4 of base salary
- Pension scheme with a 5% Company contribution
- Private medical insurance including dental and optical
- Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
- Regular company socials
- Complimentary refreshments throughout the week
- Team meals including breakfast on a Monday and lunch each Friday, creating opportunities for informal networking and team bonding
- Training and development opportunities
- Flexible working opportunities
- Opportunity to work with cutting edge science
Location
We’re headquartered in Milton Park, a business and technology park in Oxfordshire. While we do offer flexible and hybrid working, we are also a small, fast‑paced team working on cutting‑edge science, and we believe the relationships forged and the work we do in‑person will be crucial for our success. For this reason, we are asking that applicants be able to work on‑site at least four days a week.
The successful candidate will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
Scientific Technician in Abingdon employer: Wild Bioscience
At Wild Bioscience, we are committed to fostering a vibrant work culture that prioritises curiosity, community, and courage. As a Scientific Technician in our state-of-the-art labs at Milton Park, Oxfordshire, you will have the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking bioscience research while enjoying benefits such as private medical insurance, flexible working opportunities, and regular team socials that enhance collaboration and camaraderie. Join us in making a meaningful impact on global agriculture and sustainability, all while growing your skills in a supportive and innovative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scientific Technician in Abingdon
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest advancements in plant tissue culture techniques. Being knowledgeable about current trends and innovations in this field will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the bioscience community, especially those involved in plant research. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with potential colleagues and learn more about the work being done at Wild Bioscience.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss how you embody the values of curiosity, community, and courage during your interview. Think of specific examples from your past experiences that showcase these traits, as they are crucial to the culture at Wild Bioscience.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Consider potential challenges you might face in a lab setting and how you would approach them. This will show your proactive mindset and ability to adapt in a fast-paced environment.
We think you need these skills to ace Scientific Technician in Abingdon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Values:Before applying, take some time to understand Wild Bioscience's core values: Curiosity, Community, and Courage. Reflect these values in your application by providing examples of how you embody them in your work or studies.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, particularly in plant tissue culture techniques. Use specific examples that demonstrate your attention to detail and ability to work in a team, as these are crucial for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for bioscience and sustainable agriculture. Discuss why you want to join Wild Bioscience specifically and how your skills align with their mission to enhance crops and promote a wilder planet.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In both your CV and cover letter, provide examples of how you've tackled complex problems in previous roles or projects. Highlight your collaborative approach and willingness to take initiative, as these traits are highly valued by Wild Bioscience.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wild Bioscience
✨Show Your Curiosity
Wild Bioscience values curiosity, so be prepared to discuss how you've explored new ideas or tackled challenges in your previous roles. Share examples of how you’ve asked questions and sought answers in your work.
✨Demonstrate Attention to Detail
As a Scientific Technician, you'll need to perform repetitive tasks with precision. Be ready to explain how you ensure accuracy in your work, especially when preparing tissue culture media or following SOPs.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
Highlight your experience working in multidisciplinary teams. Discuss how you build relationships and trust with colleagues, and provide examples of successful collaborations that led to positive outcomes.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Expect questions about how you approach complex problems. Be ready to share specific instances where you faced challenges, the steps you took to address them, and what you learned from the experience.
