Temporary Trials Technicians

National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB); Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to enhancing crop production through innovative scientific applications. As a Trials Technician, you will play a vital role in seed handling and field trials, gaining invaluable experience in agriculture while developing essential skills in teamwork and problem-solving. This full-time position offers a unique opportunity to work outdoors and contribute to significant agricultural advancements. If you have a keen eye for detail and a passion for plant sciences, this role is perfect for you.

Benefits

Free On-Site Parking

Access to Pool Vehicles

Cycle Ways to City Centre

Regular Bus Services

Qualifications

• Willingness to learn about agriculture and plant sciences.
• Ability to follow strict protocols and work outdoors.

Responsibilities

• Sampling, treating, and packaging seed for trials.
• Assisting with various field-based tasks related to trials.

Skills

Attention to Detail

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Time Management

Problem Solving

Education

Interest in Agriculture/Plant Sciences

Job description

Fixed Term

Ref: C115

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 Trials Technicians, to work in the Seed Handling Unit and Field Trials. The roles will involve sampling, treating and packeting seed and helping with various field-based tasks related to trials. This is a great opportunity to gain experience in agricultural field crops/plot trials, while developing professional skills in team working, time management and practical problem solving.

The work can be physically demanding at times and could entail spending substantial periods working outdoors.

Salary: £23,492 per annum, depending on experience, with overtime and weekend working possible during peak time.

Contract: Fixed term from June/July 2025 to September/October 2025 with the possibility of extending longer depending on workload.

Working hours: Full time: Monday to Friday, 37 hours per week (08:00 – 16:00)

ABOUT YOU

Essential requirements:

• An interest in agriculture/plant sciences and be willing to learn
• A good eye for detail
• Ability to follow strict protocols
• Good communication skills, both verbally and written and ability to work as part of a team

Desirable requirements:

• A driving licence or access to independent means of transport as travel to trial sites is required. Niab has a pool of vehicles for use

LOCATION

The role is based at Niab, Cambridge, CB3 0LF, two miles from Cambridge city centre, but there may be a requirement to work at off-site trial sites. Free on-site parking and linked by cycle ways and regular buses to Cambridge city centre and railway station. Easy access to M11, A14, A10 and A11.

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Sue Cahill, Seed Handling Unit Manager, by email:[e-mail] or telephone: [phone].

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: 22 May 2025.

Interview date: 10 June 2025.

NIAB actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and we are also a Disability Confident Employer and has a positive approach to employing people living with a disability as well as encouraging applications from all sections of society.