Trainee Teaching and Research Technician (Horticulture)

The Technical Services Function has an attractive opportunity for a Trainee Technician to assist in providing technical support for activities carried out in the Crops and Environment Laboratory (CEL).

The CEL is a teaching and research facility that sits within the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, comprising of a range of specialist areas used for Crop Science experiments, including glasshouses, controlled environment rooms and cabinets, laboratories, a workshop, and 5ha of trial grounds.

Receiving supervision from a Technical Manager and Senior Technicians, the post holder will be responsible for:

• Helping to support teaching practical classes, student project dissertations and research experiments.
• Assisting with the installation of hydroponic and automatic irrigation systems.
• Assisting with monitoring and harvesting of experimental crops, including spraying, watering and weeding.
• Assisting with maintenance and repair of equipment required for field, pot and laboratory experiments.
• Helping to erect polytunnels, caging, and netting.

The successful candidate will have evidence of:

• Practical skills and knowledge of horticulture or agriculture
• Excellent attention to detail
• Keen problem solving skills

Don’t let the grass grow under your feet, apply now to join a small dynamic team pushing back the boundaries of science!

We, in Technical Services are committed to the development of our staff and we actively strive to diversify our team. We are a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment and an Employer Champion. We are dedicated to providing all applicants equality of opportunity.

Closing date: Monday 25th August 2024
Interviews date: To be Confirmed

Contact Name: Mr Liam Doherty
Contact Job Title: Technical Manager
Contact Email address: l.g.doherty@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Dr Karen Wicks
Alternative Contact Job Title: Associate Director of Technical Services (Cluster 2)
Alternative Contact Email address: k.wicks@reading.ac.uk

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, non-UK candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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