Technician

University of Aberdeen - School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition - Institute of Medical Sciences

Type of contract: Funding-limited to 31st October 2026

Scotland’s seed potato industry generates over 50,000 tonnes of haulms annually - biomass typically left to decompose in the field after fulfilling its agronomic role. This project, a collaboration between Grampian Growers Ltd, the University of Aberdeen and the James Hutton Institute, seeks to radically reimagine this underutilised by-product as a valuable resource within a circular bioeconomy framework.

The overarching aim is to develop a sustainable, scalable process that transforms agricultural waste into high-value bioactive for the cosmeceutical, nutraceutical, and pharmaceutical industries. By integrating green extraction technologies, in vitro bioactivity testing, and agronomic residue assessment, the project will demonstrate how waste streams from primary crop production can be valorised into ethical and environmentally sustainable source of ingredients for the cosmeceutical market, reducing reliance on tobacco cultivation, lowering carbon emissions, and contributing to the circular economy.

The main purpose of this role is to evaluate the bioactivity and valorisation potential of extracts derived from potato haulm for use as sustainable cosmeceutical active ingredients. This includes conducting in vitro bioassays relevant to skin health, specifically antioxidant, anti-collagenase, and anti-inflammatory testing in skin-relevant cell models, and benchmarking the extracts against pure compounds to assess efficacy and establish equivalence or superiority.

This project is highly interdisciplinary, and the recruited candidate will work across natural product chemistry, cell biology, cosmetic science, and environmental valorisation. They will contribute to experimental design, data interpretation, and cross-sector communication, engaging with collaborators in analytical chemistry and sustainability research.

We are seeking a candidate with experience in general tissue culture, cell-based assays, bioactivity screening, and quantitative analysis, as well as familiarity with in vitro skin models and statistical evaluation. The successful candidate will also contribute to foster collaborative relationships with researchers working on related work packages.

Salary will be at the appropriate point on the Grade 6 scale, 66.3% of £38,784 - £41,064 per annum, pro rata, and negotiable with placement according to qualifications and experience.

Any appointment will be made subject to satisfactory references and probation period.

We welcome applications from existing members of the University’s Technical Team who would be interested in this position as a secondment opportunity.

Informal enquiries should be made to Professor Heather Wilson (h.m.wilson@abdn.ac.uk)

In accordance with the UKVI immigration rules, it is with regret that this role DOES NOT MEET THE SALARY REQUIREMENTS for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. For this role, the successful candidate must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment and obtain the right to work in the UK. Information on other visa options is available at www.gov.uk/check-uk-visa.

To apply online for this position click the 'Apply' button above.

Job Reference Number: IMS316T

The closing date for the receipt of applications is 11th December 2025

*The School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.*