Research Assistant in Plant Science

FTC - 48 months or 30 October 2029 whichever is sooner

Full time starting salary is normally in the range of £28,929 per annum to £29,674 per annum

We welcome plant science researchers skilled in molecular biology, genetics, and postharvest biology with a collaborative and self-driven approach to multidisciplinary research.

About the Role

The role includes assisting the research team delivering on fundamental plant science research related to a high-profile BBSRC-funded project on potato dormancy, with PepsiCo UK Ltd. and Solynta UK as industrial partners. You will be assisting with: i) phenotyping and sampling potato tubers for the identification and evaluation of novel genetic loci that control potato dormancy; ii) postharvest storage trials; iii) physiological and biochemical analysis, including the extraction and quantification of metabolites and their analysis by HPLC and LC/MS; iv) tissue culture experiments for the establishment of potato microtubers; v) field trials.

You will be part of a multidisciplinary academic and industry team of plant molecular biologists, geneticists, postharvest physiologists, agronomists, bioinformaticians, and postgraduate students in postharvest technology, analytical chemistry and cell culture. The project’s broad vision is to create an agricultural system for potatoes that is sustainable and economically viable. For that, we aim to extend potato storage through elucidating the molecular and physiological mechanisms that govern dormancy break. Overall, you will contribute to reducing food waste, and reducing the energy and greenhouse gas emissions associated with cold storage of tubers.  

About You

You will be educated to graduate level in plant science, biology, or relevant subject, and have practical experience in plant molecular genetics, postharvest biology and/or tissue culture. With excellent communication skills, you will have expertise in undertaking glasshouse, field and/or postharvest storage trials. Proven experience in analytical technologies (i.e. HPLC, LC/MS) and data collection and analysis is desirable.

About Us

The project part of the Centre for Soil, Agrifood and Biosciences (SABS), known for expertise in soil, crop, and plant sciences, including postharvest biology, technology, and plant molecular biology.

Our Values and Commitments

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

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, contact Dr Alamar on (m.d.alamargavidia@cranfield.ac.uk).

For further details on E: hrrecruitment@cranfield.ac.uk.

Closing date: 9/03/2025

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.

Advert information