Tissue Culture Laboratory Assistant

NIABHR; Cambridge; Sur place; GBP 22 000 - 27 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Niab is seeking a Tissue Culture Laboratory Assistant to support the Precision Breeding and Genetic Validation team at Park Farm, Histon, Cambridge. The role involves preparing media and stocks, stock control, autoclave operation, and assisting with GM plant care and seed processing.

The ideal candidate will have laboratory experience, A Levels or equivalent in sciences, and strong attention to detail, with good communication skills and proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Qualifications

• A levels or equivalent in biology, chemistry or related sciences.
• Experience working in a laboratory environment.
• Good verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong numeracy and literacy.
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
• Competency with Microsoft Office.
• Good colour vision and manual dexterity.
• Positive attitude towards working with GM crops.

Responsabilités

• Preparing glassware, media and tissue culture stocks.
• Managing stock control, including ordering chemicals and consumables.
• Operating the autoclave for sterilisation and GM waste disposal.
• Assisting with GM plant care, seed harvest and seed processing.
• Supporting general laboratory, growth room and glasshouse tasks as required.

Connaissances

Laboratory experience

Verbal and written communication

Numeracy and literacy

Attention to detail

Microsoft Office

GM crops attitude

Formation

A Levels or equivalent in biology/chemistry or related sciences

Description du poste

Job Title: Tissue Culture Laboratory Assistant

Location: Park Farm, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9AT

Starting Salary: £24,455 per annum, depending on experience.

Contract: Permanent

Working hours: 37 hours per week (Monday-Friday)

Closing date: 19 October 2026

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking to recruit a Tissue Culture Laboratory Assistant to work in our Crop Transformation team. The team provides specialist tissue culture and transformation expertise to academic collaborators and commercial partners across a wide range of crop species.

In this hands‑on laboratory role, you will support the smooth running of the Precision Breeding and Genetic Validation team by ensuring essential materials, equipment and consumables are prepared, maintained and available. Your key responsibilities will include:

• Preparing glassware, media and tissue culture stocks
• Managing stock control, including ordering chemicals and consumables
• Operating the autoclave for sterilisation and GM waste disposal
• Assisting with GM plant care, seed harvest and seed processing
• Supporting general laboratory, growth room and glasshouse tasks as required

You will work across laboratory, growth room, glasshouse and office environments at our Park Farm campus. The role involves regular use of laboratory equipment such as a media maker and autoclave, and occasional manual handling of items up to 25kg.

ABOUT YOU

We are seeking someone who is enthusiastic, organised and keen to contribute to plant science research. You will have:

• A levels or equivalent in biology, chemistry or related science subjects
• Experience working in a laboratory environment
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Strong numeracy and literacy
• Excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Competency with Microsoft Office (e.g., Word, Excel)
• Good colour vision and manual dexterity
• A positive attitude towards working with GM crops

It would be an advantage if you also have experience in aseptic technique, media preparation or stock control.

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: Ruth Bates, Research Scientist - [email protected]

A full Job Description is available via the link below.

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 more than 300 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 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.

Important Information

• 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.