Organic Waste Valorisation Technician

Aberystwyth University; Aberystwyth; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a technician for a short-term position focusing on the optimization of organic substrates for horticulture. The role involves data collection, analysis, and contributing to scientific reports. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience with organic substrates. The position supports flexible working arrangements and offers numerous benefits including generous leave entitlements and professional development.

Benefits

Flexible working policy

Generous leave entitlements

Commitment to Professional Development

Staff gym discounts

Qualifications

• A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience.
• Experience of working with various waste organic substrates.
• A thorough understanding of the chemistry of plant nutrition.
• Experience of data analysis and management.
• Experience of scientific report writing.

Responsibilities

• Identify the best approaches for the optimisation of organic wastes.
• Design and deliver glasshouse experiments for horticulture.
• Manage and analyse any collected data.
• Contribute to project reports and publications.

Skills

Data analysis

Experience with organic substrates

Scientific report writing

Understanding of plant nutrition chemistry

Flexible working

Education

Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience

Job description

The Role

Applications are invited for a new short-term technical role to join a project looking at the propagation of horticultural crops in a wide range of organic substrates. The role will involve field collection of organic waste substrates for subsequent horticultural production. Using biological, physical and chemical approaches you will optimise the substrates by conducting appropriate glasshouse experiments focussing on crop quality and productivity assessments.

The technician will lead on substrate quality assessment and treatment for use in hydroponic systems. This role will be primarily sited at the Department of Life Sciences, Penglais but will also have access to facilities at the IBERS, Gogerddan campus.

You will join an active research group building on research in this area. The outcomes from the project will feed into the horticultural community and growers in Wales. You will be responsible for data collection and management and will also become involved in data analysis and presentation by contributing to project reports and any publications.

The post-holder will be professional, punctual, proactive and highly organised and able to work safely and effectively in the field, laboratories and glasshouse environments.

The role would suit individual that may want to use this opportunity as a platform to apply their experience to real world applications and creating food from waste.

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Dr. Dylan Gwynn-Jones, Department of Life Sciences, Aberystwyth University at [e-mail]

Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date.

What you’ll do

• To identify the best approaches for the optimisation of organic wastes as substrates.
• To design and deliver glasshouses and controlled environment-based experiments to test the efficacy of the substrates for horticultural production.
• To effectively collate, manage, present and analyse any data collected.
• To contribute to the production of project reports and publications.
• To engage with stakeholder events and activities.
• To undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post.
• To be committed to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post.
• To be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of the University’s Effective Contribution Scheme.
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required

Essential

1. A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience.
2. Experience of working with various waste organic substrates (slurry, anaerobic digestate, compost liquor etc) in the context of plant propagation.
3. A thorough understanding of the chemistry of plant nutrition.
4. Experience of data analysis, presentation and management.
5. Experience of Scientific report writing.
6. Ability to prioritise, work flexibly and to manage multiple priorities, with challenging deadlines.
7. Full (Clean) driving license.
8. Oral (spoken) and Written Welsh Level A0*.

Desirable

1. Broader horticultural experience either in a commercial or other context
2. Experience of effectively operating advanced analytical apparatus in a laboratory environment.
3. Experience of engaging with stakeholder activities including events, media campaigns etc.

*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at:

https://www.aber.ac.uk/en/hr/policy-and-procedure/welsh-standards/

How to apply

To promote a flexible workforce, the University will consider applications from individuals seeking full time, part time, job share, or term time only working arrangements.

Applications for this role must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• 36.5 – hour week for full-time roles
• Generous leave entitlements – 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays and university closed days
• Commitment to Professional Development
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension schemes
• Staff recognition and reward schemes
• Opportunity to learn the Welsh language for free
• Staff relocation bursary
• Maternity, Paternity, Parental and Adoption Leave
• Staff discount for gym facilities, hospitality, and retail on campus.

Please keep reading

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities and, those that are currently underrepresented in our workforce. This includes but is not limited to Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, candidates with disabilities, and female candidates.

We are a Bilingual Institution which complies with the Welsh Language Standards and is committed to Equal Opportunities. You are welcome to apply for any vacancy in Welsh or English and any application submitted will be treated equally.

Employment Visa

Under the UK Government’s points-based system scheme, this role does not meet the criteria to be sponsored by Aberystwyth University (AU) for a Skilled Worker Route (SWR) application.