Seasonal Laboratory Analysts

NIAB; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 20,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to advancing agricultural science through genetics and data analysis. As a Seasonal Laboratory Analyst, you'll play a crucial role in ensuring the quality of grain and produce through meticulous testing and data collection. This position offers a unique opportunity to work in a dynamic laboratory environment, collaborating with experts in biochemistry and seed pathology. Whether you're full-time or part-time, your contributions will directly impact crop production efficiency and resilience. If you're detail-oriented and passionate about plant sciences, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Free on-site parking

Flexible working hours

Cycle ways access

Regular bus service to city center

Qualifications

• Experience in laboratory settings with attention to detail.
• Knowledge of microbiological testing and aseptic techniques.

Responsibilities

• Conduct grain quality tests using analytical techniques.
• Assist in microbiological tests for agriculture diagnostics.

Skills

Detail-oriented

Ability to follow protocols

Good communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Degree in Biology or related field

Tools

NMR spectroscopy

NIR spectroscopy

Job description

Full or part-time | Fixed term from July to end of September 2025

Come and join an organisation at the forefront of the application of genetics, physiology, soil science, precision agronomy and data science to improve the yield, efficiency, and resilience of crop production across the arable, forage and horticulture sectors.

ABOUT THE JOB

We are looking to recruit Seasonal Laboratory Analysts, to work in a busy grain quality testing laboratory. There are roles available in two teams that work closely together: Grain Quality/Biochemistry and Seed Pathology.

The Grain Quality/Biochemistry role will include:

• Sample administration and preparation
• Testing using a wide range of protocols and analytical techniques such as oil content by NMR spectroscopy and protein content by NIR spectroscopy.

The Seed Pathology role will include:

• Sample administration
• Media preparation
• Setting up of various microbiological tests - as such knowledge and experience of aseptic technique is advantageous

You will assist the laboratory in delivering grain and produce quality data from national field trials across a wide range of crop species and (if working with the Pathology team) will assist in a number of diagnostic tests both for farmers and breeders and for large commercial studies.

Working hours:

• Full-time: Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week (08:00 – 16:00)
• Part-time: Monday to Friday, hours/days negotiable

ABOUT YOU

Essential requirements:

• A good eye for detail
• The ability to follow strict protocols
• Good communication skills
• The ability to work as part of a team

Desirable requirements:

• An interest in agriculture/plant sciences

LOCATION

The role is based at Niab Park Farm, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9NZ, which is four miles from Cambridge city centre, but there may be a requirement to work at off-site trials.Free on-site parking and linked by cycle ways and regular buses to Cambridge city centre and railway station. Close to Junction 32 of A14, with easy access to M11, A10 and A11.

Cambridge Park Farm site: https://www.niab.com/about/locations/park-farm

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Daniel Delgado Rosas by email: [e-mail]

TO APPLY

Click the ‘Apply’ button or visit our website: https://www.niab.com/careers for further details and to apply directly. Any questions? Email: [e-mail] or call Human Resources on: 01223 342282.

Closing date: 23 May 2025.

Interview dates: 10 & 11 June 2025.

Niab actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability.