Scientific Assistant (15-month Fixed Term Contract)

Tropic; Norwich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading agricultural gene-editing company in Norwich seeks candidates for their sterile plant production team. The role involves maintaining plant cultures, performing technical tasks, and collaborating within a dynamic team. Training is provided, making this suitable for individuals with manual skills, organization abilities, and a positive attitude. Competitive compensation includes medical benefits and 25 days annual leave.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Medical Cash Plan

25 days annual leave

Group Income Protection

Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Ability to follow instructions accurately.
• Experience in a fast-paced production environment is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Maintain banana plant and embryo cultures.
• Perform routine technical tasks with precision.
• Keep thorough records of processed samples.
• Adhere strictly to established protocols.
• Collaborate with a team of technicians.

Skills

Manual skills

Organization skills

Communication skills

Ability to work in a team

Attention to detail

Job description

Job Purpose

In this role you will be working in a dynamic team supporting all stages of sterile plant production in a dedicated tissue culture laboratory. This job will suit you if you have good manual skills and are comfortable with working in a repetitive environment, where efficiency, precision and attention to detail are essential.

As Tropic provides full training, this position is open to all levels from entry-level to advanced, and no prior lab experience or knowledge of plant tissue culture is required.

Responsibilities

• Maintenance of banana plant and embryo cultures using sterile technique
• Performing routine, high-volume technical tasks with precision
• Thorough record-keeping and labelling of all processed samples
• Strict adherence to established protocols and procedures
• Collaboration on lab tasks within a team of 8-10 technicians

Requirements

• Work well as part of a fast-paced plant production environment
• Ability to follow instructions repeatedly to the correct standard
• Excellent organization skills and ability to adhere to deadlines
• Accuracy in record-keeping and note taking
• Ability to work both as part of a team and independently where required
• Well-developed communication skills (oral and written)
• Positive and enthusiastic attitude

These roles would suit applicants from a packaging/production/manufacturing background with experience working in repetitive roles.

About Us

Tropic is one of the world’s leading agricultural gene-editing companies. Our team is dedicated to the development and commercialization of high-performing varieties of tropical crops to provide significant benefits to growers, producers and consumers globally, tackling real-world problems around food security and sustainability.

Our vision is to become a leading seed business with significant ownership of its products from the laboratory to the field, while maintaining constructive relationships with growers and consumers based on transparency and trust.

Why Join Tropic?

• Diverse workforce operating in a dynamic working environment
• Excellent learning and career development opportunities
• Social events throughout the year
• Competitive compensation and benefits including: Private Medical Insurance, Medical Cash Plan, 25 days annual leave, Group Income Protection and Life Assurance.

Further Information

• Job Location – Norwich UK
• Time Requirement – Full Time, onsite
• Contract – 15 month Fixed-Term Contract
• Closing date – 21st September 2025