Academic Jobs Logo
University of Cambridge  Jobs

Research Laboratory Phenotyping and Horticulture Technician (Fixed Term)

Applications Close:

University of Cambridge

Cambridge

Academic Connect
5 Star Employer Ranking
Is this job right for you? View Vital Job Information and Save Time

Research Laboratory Phenotyping and Horticulture Technician (Fixed Term)

Assistant staff

20 May 2026

Location

Cambridge

University of Cambridge

Type

Fixed-term until 31 March 2028

Salary

£31,236-£35,608

Required Qualifications

Hands-on plant care
Laboratory phenotyping
Horticulture support
Microscopy skills
Manual driving licence
Team player
Plant sciences interest

Research Areas

Rice genetics
Maize phenotyping
Mycorrhizal symbiosis
Sustainable agriculture
Crop Science Centre
79% Job Post Completeness

Our Job Post Completeness indicates how much vital information has been provided for this job listing. Academic Jobs has done the heavy lifting for you and summarized all the important aspects of this job to save you time.

Research Laboratory Phenotyping and Horticulture Technician (Fixed Term)

Research Laboratory Phenotyping and Horticulture Technician (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for an enthusiastic Research Laboratory Technician (Phenotyping and Horticulture) to join The Crop Science Centre (Department of Plant Sciences) to provide technical support for the research ongoing at the Centre, focusing on the phenotypic characterisation of rice and maize material alongside the effective care of the relevant plant material within the controlled environmental rooms (CERs) and glasshouse facilities.

The Crop Science Centre opened in October 2020 and benefits from the diverse skills and expertise of the University of Cambridge and NIAB, providing an environment for research excellence in crops, with the expertise for scientific translation to address real-world problems. Approximately 90 staff, visitors and students are based at the Centre.

This is a hands-on role ideal for someone who enjoys working with plants in both laboratory and glasshouse facilities. As part of the international ENSA (Enabling Nutrient Symbioses in Agriculture) research programme, you will provide laboratory, microscopy and horticulture support, focusing on objectives relating to phenotyping and horticulture at the Crop Science Centre and the associated glasshouse facility, part of the Department of Plant Sciences. You will play a key role in advancing rice genetics by designing genetic crosses of engineered and natural variation material to advance mycorrhizal benefit for sustainable agriculture.

You will report to Dr Doris Albinsky and work closely with other technicians and postdoctoral researchers in the research group of Prof Uta Paszkowski (joint ENSA lead and Cereal Symbiosis group leader).

You will regularly work in the glasshouse and will need a manual driving licence to drive to the site.

We're looking for someone reliable and practical, who enjoys working in a busy environment, and communicates well with a wide range of people.

If you are a team player with a positive, proactive attitude and an interest in plant sciences, we would like to hear from you.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available until 31 March 2028 in the first instance.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

If you have not received any response 1 month after the closing date you should consider your application to be unsuccessful.

Please quote reference PD49562 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Apply online

Key information

Department/location

Department of Plant Sciences

Salary

£31,236-£35,608

Reference

PD49562

Category

Assistant staff

Date published

30 April 2026

Closing date

20 May 2026

Download further information

Tell them AcademicJobs.com sent you!

Frequently Asked Questions

🌱What are the main responsibilities of the Phenotyping and Horticulture Technician?

The role involves providing technical support for phenotypic characterisation of rice and maize in laboratory, controlled environmental rooms (CERs), and glasshouse facilities. Duties include designing genetic crosses, plant care, microscopy, and advancing mycorrhizal benefits for sustainable agriculture at the Crop Science Centre. Regular glasshouse work is required. For more on research jobs, explore our listings.

📋What qualifications and skills are required for this University of Cambridge technician role?

Ideal candidates are enthusiastic, reliable, and practical with a positive attitude and interest in plant sciences. Key skills include hands-on laboratory, microscopy, and horticulture experience. A manual driving licence is essential for glasshouse access. No specific degree mentioned, but team players thrive. Check research assistant tips for preparation.

🚗Is a driving licence required for the Horticulture Technician position in Cambridge?

Yes, a manual driving licence is mandatory as you will regularly work in the glasshouse and drive to the site. This ensures effective support for plant material care in CERs and facilities at the Department of Plant Sciences. Health assessment post-offer.

📅What is the employment duration and salary for this fixed-term role?

This is a fixed-term position with funds available until 31 March 2028. Salary range: £31,236-£35,608. Based at the Crop Science Centre, University of Cambridge. Quote reference PD49562 in applications.

💼How do I apply for the Research Laboratory Technician job at Cambridge?

Click 'Apply' to register with the recruitment system and submit online, quoting PD49562. Closing date: 20 May 2026. No response within 1 month means unsuccessful. University supports equality, diversity, inclusion and requires UK work eligibility. Download further particulars PDF. See research assistant jobs for similar roles.

👥Who will I work with in the Phenotyping Technician role?

Report to Dr Doris Albinsky and collaborate with technicians, postdocs in Prof Uta Paszkowski's Cereal Symbiosis group (ENSA lead). Part of ~90 staff at Crop Science Centre, fostering research excellence in crops.
4 Jobs Found
View More