Senior Molecular Plant Pathology Technician

NIAB; Histon; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday + public holidays

Generous pension scheme

Income protection & life assurance

Employee discount scheme

Comprehensive training program

Job summary

NIAB is seeking a Senior Molecular Plant Pathology Technician to support pathology and molecular biology activities across research and commercial projects. The role involves culture, DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, genotyping, sequencing library prep, and data analysis.

You will work closely with project managers, researchers, and external partners to deliver reproducible results and ensure robust quality control and compliance with safety standards.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics or related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with plant pathology and molecular assays in crop-associated organisms.
• Experience with aseptic culture and DNA-based workflows.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate crop plants in glasshouse and lab settings.
• Isolate and maintain plant-associated microbes using aseptic methods.
• Perform disease challenge assays and phenotype evaluations.
• Prepare DNA and run PCR/qPCR and molecular diagnostics.
• Prepare sequencing libraries and coordinate submissions.
• Record and preliminarily analyse pathology and molecular data.
• Support SOPs, risk assessments, and project reporting.
• Provide day-to-day technical guidance within the team.

Skills

Molecular biology

DNA extraction

PCR/qPCR

Genotyping

Sequencing library prep

Aseptic technique

Data handling & QC

Project coordination

Communication

Education

Degree or equivalent in plant pathology / microbiology / related

Tools

DNA quantification/quality checks

Sequencing platforms knowledge

Job description

Senior Molecular Plant Pathology Technician

We are seeking a skilled and motivated Senior Molecular Plant Pathology Technician to support the delivery of commercial and academic projects focused on plant pathology, crop health, and microbial community analysis. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading organisation at the forefront of crop science, working across diverse crops, pathogens, and molecular workflows.

In this hands-on technical role, you will contribute to the operational delivery of pathology and molecular biology activities across multiple research and commercial projects. Your work will support plant disease experiments, microbial culture, DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, genotyping, and sequencing library preparation. You will generate high quality, reproducible data and collaborate closely with project managers, researchers, and external partners.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Cultivating crop plants in glasshouse, controlled environment, and laboratory settings.
• Isolating, culturing, and maintaining plant-associated fungi, bacteria, and other microbes using aseptic and containment procedures.
• Preparing inoculum, conducting disease challenge assays, and performing phenotyping and disease assessments.
• Extracting and quality checking DNA from a wide range of biological samples.
• Performing PCR, qPCR, genotyping, and molecular diagnostic assays.
• Preparing sequencing libraries and coordinating sample submission to internal or external sequencing providers.
• Recording, organising, and conducting preliminary analysis of pathology and molecular data.
• Supporting SOP development, risk assessments, project reporting, and knowledge exchange activities.
• Providing day to day technical guidance to colleagues where appropriate.
• Ensuring compliance with Health & Safety, containment, biosecurity, and quality standards.

About You

We are looking for someone with strong practical experience in molecular plant pathology and the delivery of reproducible pathology and molecular assays for crop-associated organisms.

Location

The role is based at Niab’s Park Farm Campus, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9AT — just 4 miles from Cambridge city centre. The site offers free on-site parking and is well connected by cycle routes and regular bus services to the city centre and railway station. It is also close to Junction 32 of the A14, with easy access to the M11, A10 and A11.

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Thomas Wood ([e-mail])

ABOUT US

Niab is the UK’s leading crop science organisation, with research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science, the largest national field trials capability, and strong research links with industry, Government and academia. With headquarters in Cambridge, and regional offices across the country, employing over 350 people across the UK, NIAB advances the role of plant genetic resources through research services and training. Niab’s position at the interface of academic research and commercial breeding offers opportunities for strong collaborations across the plant sciences sector.

Benefits

Benefits include 25 days holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme and a comprehensive training program.

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.

• This is a UK-based role. You will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process.
• Where the role meets the relevant criteria, we are able to consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship in line with Home Office requirements. Any offer of sponsorship will be subject to the role meeting the skill and salary thresholds and to the individual meeting the Home Office eligibility criteria.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010.
• Niab reserves the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time

Essential Requirements

• Degree or equivalent experience in plant pathology, microbiology, molecular biology, genetics, crop science, or a related discipline.
• Strong practical knowledge of plant disease biology and controlled pathology experiments.
• Experience cultivating crop plants and preparing experimental material.
• Proven experience with aseptic technique and microbial culture.
• Competence in DNA extraction, PCR/qPCR, primer design, and use of appropriate controls.
• Experience with genotyping, molecular diagnostics, and troubleshooting routine molecular workflows.
• Understanding of sequencing library preparation principles and sample traceability.
• Strong data handling skills, including QC, preliminary analysis, and preparation of tables/figures.
• Excellent attention to detail and sample tracking.
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage tasks across multiple projects.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Understanding of relevant safety, containment, biosecurity, and data governance requirements.