Botanical Research Technician

British Society; Newcastle upon Tyne; Remote; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Part time

Job summary

Economics Network in Newcastle upon Tyne invites applications for a part-time research technical role supporting botanical research activities at the Farms facilities.

The role is fixed-term for 20 months, with responsibilities including equipment operation, field plots support, safety, training, and procurement. Salary starts at £30,180 with progression to £31,861 per annum, pro rata.

Responsibilities

• Oversee day-to-day operation and maintenance of facilities or equipment.
• Support field plots from planting to harvest and assist researchers.
• Ensure safe handling and disposal of hazardous materials per procedures.
• Supervise and train postgraduate and undergraduate students using facilities.
• Forecast consumables and equipment needs; manage ordering and records.
• Support multiple technical programmes across Farm facilities.
• Prepare and apply fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides and calibrate equipment.
• Perform other duties as required.

Job description

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role

To be part of a team of technical staff supporting the botanical research activities of the School of NES through the provision of technical expertise at Nafferton and Cockle Park farms. To support research staff and students in the area as designated by the School Senior Technical Manager under the direction of the Technical Team Leader for the area.

The position is fixed-term for 20 months and part-time.

Key Accountabilities

1. In conjunction with the technical team leader for the activity, be responsible for, the day-to-day operation of specific facilities or pieces of equipment. To undertake fault diagnosis, testing, repair, calibration and preventative maintenance on instrumentation under the role’s responsibility.
2. To provide support in the preparation and maintenance of field plots, from planting to harvest. Supporting researchers with field crops assessments during growth and post-harvest.
3. To be responsible for the disposal of hazardous materials according to standard University procedures. Ensure compliance with relevant safety procedures including relevant risk assessments. In conjunction with the School safety officer monitor compliance with all statutory and local safety arrangements.
4. To provide supervision and training for postgraduate and undergraduate project students and, occasionally, for other technical staff using the facilities to ensure safe working practices are followed.
5. In conjunction with the PIs, RAs, other technical staff and PGT PGR students as appropriate, identify consumable and equipment requirements and initiate their ordering according to the School and University purchasing procedures. Keep financial records of any activities as directed by the technical team leader.
6. Where appropriate support multiple technical programmes of work within the University's Farms facilities supporting the requirements of the Farm director and research academic PIs.
7. As appropriate carry out the preparation and application of fertilizers, herbicides and insecticides to experimental areas and the calibration of equipment for this purpose.
8. Any other duties within the scope and general nature of the grade which may be required.

£30,180 with progression to £31,861 per annum, pro rata.