Research Assistant (Part Time 22.2 hours per week, fixed term until 31 May 2025)

Harper Adams University; Newport; On-site; GBP 22,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

A UK educational institution is seeking a motivated part-time Research Assistant to support agricultural research projects focused on sheep feed efficiency. The role requires a degree in a related field and experience with livestock. Candidates should have strong research and communication skills. Applications are open until 12 October 2025, and the position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful agricultural research.

Qualifications

• Experience working with livestock, preferably sheep.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Well organized, self-motivated, and able to seek and take direction when needed.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the setup and monitoring of an indoor feed intake trial.
• Support preliminary grazing studies and collect accurate records.
• Coordinate logistics for fieldwork and ensure compliance with ethical standards.

Skills

Research and analytical skills

Communication skills

Data collection and management

Ability to work independently

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in animal science, agriculture, biology or similar

Job description

Overview

This part-time (0.6 FTE) fixed-term post within the Agriculture and Environment department is available until 31 May 2026. We welcome applications including job-sharing arrangements. Due to the nature of the role, working from home is not available.

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to support the delivery of the “Breed for CH4nge” research project. This Innovate UK funded 0.6FTE post is available from 01/10/2025 to 31/05/26. The successful applicant will conduct research on the feed efficiency, grazing intake and behaviour of sheep, supporting the objectives of the “Breed for CH4nge” project to develop genetic selection tools to help English sheep farmers breed more productive, efficient maternal breed-type sheep with a naturally lower carbon footprint.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the setup and monitoring of an indoor feed intake trial using manual recording systems
• Support preliminary grazing studies, including grazing management, pasture assessments, animal weights and observations
• Collect and manage accurate records of feed consumption, intake levels and animal weight
• Coordinate logistics for fieldwork, including equipment setup and transport
• Ensure compliance with ethical standards
• Carry out laboratory analysis of feed and pasture samples

Essential qualifications

• A degree in animal science, agriculture, biology or similar, or equivalent experience
• Experience working with livestock, preferably sheep
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Experience with data collection and management
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Well organised, self-motivated, and able to seek and take direction when needed.

Additional information

If you have any queries or questions or for an informal discussion, please contact Dr. Sarah Morgan via e-mail ([e-mail]). For further information about the University or to see full job description, please visit our website at www.harper-adams.ac.uk

Application procedure: All applications should be completed and submitted using the Harper Adams e-Recruitment programme at http://jobs.harper-adams.ac.uk to be completed no later than midnight on 12 October 2025

Should you require any adjustments to complete your application for this role then please contact [e-mail]

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa in the UK, please follow this link https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK and details about eligibility for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.