Research Assistant (Placement)

Dyson; Washingborough; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

An innovative agricultural company in the UK is looking for a Research Assistant to join their Farming Research Team. This fixed-term position offers the chance to gain hands-on experience while supporting various research activities from January to September 2026. The ideal candidate will have strong communication and problem-solving skills, a proactive attitude, and a drive to learn. Benefits include 24 days of holiday, pension scheme, and product discounts.

Benefits

24 days holiday plus bank holidays

Life assurance

Pension scheme

Cycle to work scheme

Free annual flu jab

Free eye test

Access to product discounts

Organised social events

Free parking

Qualifications

• Willingness to take responsibility and ownership for tasks.
• Keen to suggest improvements to current ways of working.
• Drive to pursue a career in research and agriculture.
• Drive to learn and develop skills.

Responsibilities

• Supporting field‑based data collection across various crop types.
• Conducting plant sampling and crop monitoring.
• Preparing and processing samples for analysis.
• Participating in industry‑led research trials.

Skills

Strong communication

Problem-solving

Organisational skills

Ability to work autonomously

Job description

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Research Assistant to join the Dyson Farming Research Team on a fixed‑term from January to September 2026, supporting key research activities during our peak operational period. The successful candidate should be dynamic, enthusiastic, and hands‑on. This experience offers an excellent opportunity to build on your academic foundation, helping you gain practical, interpersonal, and business skills that are essential for transitioning into the workplace. Working alongside our experienced Research Team, you will gain insight into our unique business and build a foundation for future career plans.

Responsibilities

• Supporting field‑based data collection across a range of crop types, including strawberries, potatoes, cereals, and contributing to environmental monitoring efforts.
• Conducting plant sampling and crop monitoring across trial plots in the field and the glasshouse.
• Preparing and processing plant, soil, and water samples for analysis.
• Performing assessments and observational data collection.
• Working across our Nocton Farm and Carrington Glasshouse sites, with potential travel to our Oxfordshire farm.
• Participating in industry‑led research trials and gaining first‑hand experience.
• Maintaining awareness of research methods and research integrity.
• Demonstrating a proactive attitude and commitment to health and safety.
• Exhibiting excellent organisational skills and taking initiative.
• Communicating professionally with individuals from a range of backgrounds.
• Working autonomously while showing strong teamwork skills.
• Operating with a full driving licence.

Qualifications

• Willing to take responsibility and ownership for tasks.
• Keen to suggest improvements to current ways of working.
• Strong communication and problem‑solving skills.
• Drive to pursue a career in research and agriculture.
• Drive to learn and develop skills.

Benefits

• 24 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro‑rota).
• Life assurance.
• Pension scheme.
• Charitable giving via payroll (Give as You Earn).
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Free annual flu jab.
• Free eye test.Employee assistance programme.
• Access to product discounts.
• Organised social events.
• Free parking.

Dyson Farming is a family‑owned business with a vision to benefit future generations through a commitment to commercially viable and environmentally sustainable food production at scale. We strive to be industry leaders in efficient, carbon‑neutral, high‑technology agriculture, employing highly skilled, pioneering individuals and supported by research and development in close partnership with our sister company, Dyson.

We see the future of agriculture as an exciting opportunity to improve the nation's food security, health, and economic growth. Dyson Farming has recently announced that 1000 acres of arable land will be dedicated to agricultural research through the establishment of the Dyson Farming Research Centre.