Job Description

• Work in state-of-the-art facilities working to advance sustainable agriculture practices.
• Ability to choose Research Projects that interest you being in control of your own topics of research.
• Enjoy numerous opportunities for career progression.

This is your opportunity to join the UK\'s leading Vertical Farming company as a Vertical Farming Research Associate! In line with ongoing company growth the team are looking to hire two VF Research Associates with different specialisms. You will work in state-of-the-art facilities to identify opportunities for plant science to contribute to the advancement of sustainable agriculture. As the Vertical Farming Research Associate you will have guidance from the Lab Team Lead and will work on a range of plant science R&D activities.

This will be a fast-paced and varied role with numerous opportunities for skill development and personal growth in an emerging sector. The position is a full-time (40 hours) on-site and permanent role based in Cambridge.

What you\'ll be doing:
The team are looking for independent self-starters who would like to identify new areas for research. You will work on a range of research projects managing progress from start to finish including resource management trial prep weekly reporting and collaboration with other team members as required.

This role will be a great fit for you if you want to:

• Work to optimise the growth of leafy greens and advance developments in the vertical farming sector. This is an R&D focused role with commercial applications.
• Identify new projects of interest proposing new areas for research. You will be in charge of your own research projects including trial prep budgeting data recording and analysis equipment maintenance and reporting results to the management team.
• Have the opportunity to explore niches and how they can be incorporated into your work. This may include projects on microbiology computer vision image analysis qPCR and more \'\xc2\x93 all ideas are welcome and the team are keen to speak to innovative and creative individuals.
• Implement trials from set-up through to data collection. This will include the monitoring of nutrient dynamics environmental conditions plant health and agronomic performance. You will analyse plants post-harvest including organoleptic assessments antioxidant assays and shelf-life studies.
• Assist with the general upkeep calibration and maintenance of specialist growing and research equipment including but not limited hydroponic irrigation systems and sensors.
• Communicate with the team to organise trials and ensure their timely delivery.
• Use scientific and technical equipment to track plant and product performance throughout a crop\'s life cycle.

Please note this role will involve working to food and lab safety requirements (including handling of chemicals) so an awareness of H&S protocols is essential.

What experience you\'ll need to apply:
This role will be a great fit for you if you have:

• A PhD or MSc in a relevant subject such as Horticulture Plant Science Plant Biology or similar. Please note undergraduate degrees with commercial horticultural research experience would also be of interest.
• Experience in Plant Research preferably in commercial/industry settings.
• A passion for growing plants and an interest to contributing to the future of crop production.
• The ability to work independently and as part of a team.

It would be desirable for candidates to have experience or an interest in the following:

• Sensor development.
• Computer vision and image analysis.
• Plant microbiology.
• Plant breeding and plant genetics.
• Nutrient analysis and antioxidant assays.

You will be very enthusiastic and have exceptional attention to detail. You will be able to work in a flexible environment being solution focused and able to switch between tasks quickly. You will be able to manage challenges in a calm and efficient manner.

What you\'ll get in return for your experience:
Not only will you join one of the fastest growing and most exciting Agri-tech businesses in the UK but you will have the opportunity to develop yourself broadening your knowledge and capabilities within the Vertical Farming sector.

• Competitive base salary DOE.
• Annual bonus based on company team and individual performance.
• Employee incentivisation scheme.
• 25 days holiday Bank Holidays (33 total).
• Vitality at work scheme.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave.
• 5% Employer contribution pension scheme.
• Employee benefits programme with Bravo benefits.
• Cycle to work scheme.

This role is a full-time (40 hours a week) and permanent position based in Cambridge. The role has core hours Monday to Friday but there is some ad-hoc requirements for on call weekend work. When weekend work is required time off in-lieu will be given. There may be the occasional requirement to visit other company sites; where this is required travel and accommodation will be provided.

What\'s next?
If you would like to work as a Vertical Farming Research Associate for an exciting and fast-growing Vertical Farming company please apply for the position or get in touch with Imogen Turner (imogen.t@adlib-recruitment.co.uk) for more information.

ADLIB