Technician in Ruminant Nutrition and Methane Mitigation

This position offers an exciting opportunity to work on a research project trialling GHG mitigation measures, on research and commercial environment, focusing on methane suppressing feed supplements. The project aims to verify the effectiveness of these measures in reducing GHG emissions, inform policy development, and evaluate the potential for mandatory use of these products. Additionally, it will test methods to monitor individual livestock emissions for effective, rapid, and affordable on-site testing.

At the University of Reading, the 29-month post will involve supporting the evaluation of measurement technologies, examining feed supplements, and monitoring mitigation solutions on commercial and research farms. The technician will execute experiments, manage animal trials, and collect and analyse samples. The Technician will manage research timelines and collaborate with researchers and stakeholders as needed. Administrative duties include maintaining records, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The role also involves disseminating research findings, participating in knowledge exchange activities, and engaging with the research community and the public.

The Technician will join the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, which has a global outlook and an international reputation for education and research. The School offers a welcoming, supportive, and progressive environment for career development and includes a learning and research community from over 40 nations.

You should have:

• A qualification such as an HNC, HND, or Degree in a relevant field (e.g., animal nutrition, agriculture).
• Experience with animals in research or farm settings, especially in data collection and sample analysis.
• Knowledge of ruminant production, focusing on methane production.
• Proficiency in lab techniques for analysing feeds and biofluids.
• Ability to collect, manage, and report experimental data.
• Experience communicating research findings to various audiences.
• Ability to work independently and in a team.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks.
• Attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
• A collaborative and positive attitude.
• Willingness to travel nationally, especially to commercial dairy farms, for research activities.

Closing date  - 12 February 2025

Interview date  - TBC

Contact Name: Professor Sokratis Stergiadis
Contact Job Title: Professor of Animal Science
Contact Email address: s.stergiadis@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: David Humphries
Alternative Contact Job Title: Head of Specialist Units
Alternative Contact Email address: d.j.humphries@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.

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. Further information about this is available 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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