Senior Research Technician

School of Computer Science and Engineering, Bangor University; Bangor; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK seeks a highly motivated Senior Research Technician to support a Defra-funded project on livestock slurry benefits. The role includes fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and data reporting. Essential qualifications include A-levels in relevant subjects, with desirable experience in research settings. Strong teamwork, data management skills, and a valid driving license are required. The position is aimed at contributing to sustainable agricultural practices over an 18-month fixed term.

Qualifications

• Experience working in a field-based research setting.
• Knowledge of health & safety issues in a research environment.
• Experience following experimental or laboratory protocols.

Responsibilities

• Lead setup of plot-scale field experiments and sampling.
• Maintain and use analytical equipment for laboratory analyses.
• Record and tabulate experimental data and prepare graphs.

Skills

Teamwork motivation

Ability to prioritize work

Competency in spreadsheets

Communication skills in Welsh

Education

2 AS Levels or 1 A level or NVQ Level 4 equivalent

Undergraduate degree in environmental sciences or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Job description

Senior Research Technician – The School of Environmental and Natural Sciences at Bangor University is looking to appoint a highly motivated technician to support a new Defra‑funded project on the agronomic and environmental benefits of livestock slurry separation. This 18‑month fixed‑term position will involve fieldwork, laboratory analysis and data reporting, with the outcome contributing to sustainable agriculture practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead setup of plot‑scale field experiments and sampling of soil, slurry, vegetation and greenhouse gases.
• Follow joint experimental and sample processing protocols.
• Maintain and use analytical equipment for laboratory analyses of separated slurry fractions.
• Collect separated slurry fractions from commercial farms and analyse their nutrient and phosphorus content.
• Liaise with the research team and project partner ADAS to coordinate experimental protocols.
• Record and tabulate experimental data, prepare graphs and present summary data at regular meetings.
• Complete risk assessments, COSHH assessments and maintain health & safety compliance.
• Attend project team and School meetings as required.

Other Duties

• Participate in performance reviews and developmental activities.
• Comply with University equal opportunities policies, Dignity at Work and Study Policy, Welsh Language Policy and Welsh Language Standards.
• Ensure safe and healthy working environment for staff, students and visitors, complying with all health and safety policies.
• Adhere to relevant legal and financial policies and responsibilities.

Benefits

• Characterisation of nutrients in separated slurry fractions from commercial farms.
• Plot‑scale field experiments to measure the effects of separation on air and water pollution and crop nutrient supply.

Qualifications and Experience

• Essential Qualifications/Training
  • 2 AS Levels or 1 A level or NVQ Level 4 equivalent in a relevant subject such as biology, chemistry, physics, agriculture, environmental sciences.
• Desirable Qualifications/Training
  • Undergraduate degree in environmental sciences, biology, chemistry, agriculture or a related field.
• Essential Experience/Knowledge
  • Experience working in a related field‑based research setting.
  • Previous experience following experimental or laboratory protocols.
  • Evidence of using Microsoft Excel or similar packages to enter data and generate accurate datasets.
  • Knowledge of health & safety issues in a research setting.
• Desirable Experience/Knowledge
  • Experience designing and setting up field and laboratory experimentation.
• Essential Skills/Abilities
  • Team‑work motivation and ability to work independently.
  • Ability to prioritise work and meet deadlines.
  • Valid driving licence for travel to remote field sites.
  • Competency in spreadsheets and Word.
• Desirable Skills/Abilities
  • Flexibility to work occasional out‑of‑hours.
  • Willingness to travel to other field sites as needed.
• Other
  • Physical activity required for the majority of the day, with some computer work.
  • Welsh language communication is desirable; learning Welsh is encouraged.

Bangor University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage applications in English or Welsh. Recent offers are subject to proof of eligibility to work in the UK, and visa arrangements will be discussed with successful candidates.