Technician Teaching & Research (Agriscience)

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.

Closing Date - 11:59 on 11 May 2025
Interviews - w/c 26 May 2025

Technical Services is seeking to appoint a full-time laboratory technician to join a small team based in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development (SAPD). For prospective candidates with a background in crops science, plant biology and/or physical earth sciences this post offers an exciting opportunity to join the University of Reading where you will maintain daily interactions with researchers addressing 21st century issues aligned to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, including food security, climate change adaptation and biodiversity conservation.

You will work closely with a Technical Manager and Senior Technician to assist with the daily operations of analytical facilities including ICP-OES, GC, electrophoresis and spectrophotometry.

You will be responsible for:

• a wet chemistry laboratory and facilities dedicated to the study of plant tissue cultures and crops pathology
• ordering laboratory equipment and consumables, and stock control
• sample processing areas used to process seeds, plants, soils and insects
• health & safety checks and house-keeping in designated areas
• maintenance, trouble-shooting and operation of laboratory equipment
• administration of specialist sample storage areas and incubators
• curation of a nationally-important living fungal collection
• providing training for lab users according to Standard Operating Procedures and Local Rules
• set-up / set down and demonstrating for practical class teaching, including fieldwork
• organising equipment for fieldwork

You may occasionally be required to support other technical divisions operating across multiple buildings on the main University campus. Training will be provided in specialist techniques and use of equipment, where required.   

You will have:

• HNC, AS/A-Level, NVQ3 in Chemistry, Biology, Environmental Science, Physical Geography, Agriculture or related subjects; a degree in a similar subject with more limited practical experience.
• Technical experience of working in specialist areas, ideally in laboratories used for teaching, research or commercial purposes. 

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. You can find out about our inclusive approach on our EDITS page Diversity and Inclusion (reading.ac.uk)

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

Alternative Contact Name: Dr George Gibbings
Alternative Contact Job Title: Technical Manager (Technical Services, Analytical Division)
Alternative Contact Email address: j.g.gibbings@reading.ac.uk 

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. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). 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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