Scientific Assistant (15-month Fixed Term Contract)

Man Diesel & Turbo Ltda; Norwich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A biotechnology company in Norwich is seeking a laboratory technician to join their team. In this role, you will maintain banana plant cultures and perform technical tasks in a sterile environment. Training will be provided, and no prior experience is required. The ideal candidate will have great manual skills and attention to detail, with opportunities for growth in a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Private Medical Insurance

Medical Cash Plan

25 days annual leave

Group Income Protection

Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Ability to follow instructions to the correct standard.
• Work well in a fast-paced plant production environment.
• Maintain accuracy in record-keeping.

Responsibilities

• Maintain banana plant and embryo cultures using sterile technique.
• Perform routine technical tasks with precision.
• Keep thorough records and label processed samples.

Skills

Organization skills

Communication skills

Manual skills

Attention to detail

Job description

Overview

We are looking for an enthusiastic, organized and hardworking individual to join the Banana Biotechnology team, where we generate novel high-performing varieties of banana crops using cutting-edge gene-editing technology.

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

At Tropic, we are revolutionising tropical agriculture by developing high-performing commercial varieties of tropical crops. Our innovations help tackle key challenges in productivity, climate resilience, and sustainability. Were a team driven by science, innovation, and a shared mission and logistics plays a vital role in enabling our impact.

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