Senior Research Technician

CRANFIELD UNIVERSITY; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious postgraduate university in the United Kingdom seeks a technical officer to support research in plant and soil sciences. The role involves delivering training for MSc and PhD projects and requires a minimum Level 4 qualification and experience in technical roles. The successful candidate will contribute to vital research aimed at improving food quality and sustainability. With a fixed-term contract for 5 months and a salary starting at £28,929, this is an excellent opportunity to join a world-class research team.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in a relevant technical role.
• Experience in setting up experimental trials.
• Knowledge of health and safety procedures.

Responsibilities

• Support and deliver research in plant and soil sciences.
• Deliver training and guidance for MSc and PhD projects.

Education

Education Level 4 (HND) in a relevant subject

Tools

HPLC

Job description

Offer Description

Organisation: Cranfield University

Faculty or Department: Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences

Based at: Cranfield Campus, Cranfield, Bedfordshire

Hours of work: 37 hours per week, normally worked Monday to Friday. Flexible working will be considered.

Contract type: Fixed term contract

Fixed Term Period: For 5 Months

Salary: Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £28,929 per annum.

Apply by: 28/01/2026

Role Description

About the Role

This role supports and delivers research in plant and soil sciences in laboratory, glasshouse and field-based environments with an emphasis on “postharvest” research concerning biology and technologies for extending the shelf-life and quality of fresh fruit and vegetables. It also supports student learning and development (both MSc and PhD) by delivering training and guidance for projects in your own area of expertise. SABS has internationally‑recognised expertise across both domestic and international food supply chains, from soil science to postharvest quality. Our work is truly global, reaching across Europe, Sub‑Saharan Africa, South America and SE Asia, working with agribusiness to address the challenges of environmental sustainability and food security.

About You

You will be educated to Level 4 (HND) as a minimum in a relevant subject and have significant experience in a relevant technical role: setting up experimental trials, using/ maintaining laboratory and field‑based experimental equipment. With good written and verbal communication skills, you will have the ability to interpret complicated instructions, analyse requirements and implement detailed specifications. You will also have a working knowledge of health and safety procedures and the ability to learn new skills. Ideally, you will have experience of HPLC and/or postharvest biology.

About Us

As a specialist postgraduate university, Cranfield’s world‑class expertise, large‑scale facilities and unrivalled industry partnerships are creating leaders in technology and management globally. Learn more about Cranfield and our unique impact here.

The Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences (SABS) seeks to grow as a world‑class research centre dedicated to understanding soil, plant, and microbial systems, with the aim of tackling global food and environmental challenges. We host world‑leading groups in postharvest biology and in food safety related to mycotoxins and microbiological spoilage. Our plant and microbial scientists link to our soils research through understanding rhizosphere processes and root trait genetics.

Our Values and Commitments

Our shared, stated values help to define who we are and underpin everything we do: Ambition; Impact; Respect; and Community. Find out more here.

We aim to create and maintain a culture in which everyone can work and study together and realise their full potential. We are a Disability Confident Employer and proud members of the Stonewall Diversity Champions Programme. We are committed to actively exploring flexible working options for each role and have been ranked in the Top 30 family‑friendly employers in the UK by the charity Working Families. Find out more about our key commitments to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Flexible Working here.

As part of our commitment to support and develop technical staff across the University, we are a founding signatory of the Science Council’s Technician Commitment. Find out more here.

Working Arrangements

Collaborating and connecting are integral to so much of what we do. Our Working Arrangements Framework provides many staff with the opportunity to flexibly combine on‑site and remote working, where job roles allow, balancing the needs of our community of staff, students, clients and partners.

How to apply

For an informal discussion about this opportunity, please contact Lynne Roxbee Cox, Senior Technical Officer – SABS Technical Team Lead, on [phone] or (E): [e-mail]

Closing date for receipt of applications

28 January 2026

Please note that we reserve the right to close this advert prior to the stated closing date should we receive sufficient numbers of applications. Therefore, we would encourage you to complete and submit your application as soon as possible.