Job Description:

NES Fircroft are recruiting for a Research & Development Associate to join a leading global agricultural business in a hands-on role based within their glasshouse and research facilities.

A minimum 12-month contract, with the role being highly likely to be extended or move into a permanent opportunity for the right person.

Working a 36 hour week Monday to Friday.

You’ll be working closely with the research and technical teams, helping to maintain plant and seed materials and supporting a range of experimental and screening activities within the glasshouses.

What will you be doing?

• Maintaining plants and seed materials within controlled glasshouse environments
• Supporting experimental work using established and new screening methods
• Carrying out day-to-day plant production and maintenance
• Monitoring plants throughout testing and highlighting any issues
• Working alongside technical and research teams to support projects
• Keeping accurate records and updating databases
• Helping identify improvements to processes and working methods
• Following strict HSE, quality and containment procedures
• Developing your technical knowledge across a range of plant production techniques
• Supporting test planning and problem solving where required

What are we looking for? You don’t necessarily need to have worked in a research environment before. We’re particularly interested in people with a background in horticulture, plant biology, seed production or plant/greenhouse work who are practical, reliable and keen to develop.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• HND or equivalent in Horticulture, Plant Biology or a related subject, OR relevant practical experience
• Experience working with plants, horticulture, glasshouses or seed production
• Good attention to detail and a methodical approach
• Good organisational and communication skills
• Confidence using Microsoft Office
• A willingness to learn and take on new techniques
• A good work ethic and the ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Physically fit

Why consider it?

This is a great opportunity to join a major global agricultural business and gain experience within a specialist research and development environment.

It is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a long-term career within plant science, horticulture and agricultural research.

If you have a practical plant/horticulture background or interest and enjoy working hands-on rather than being behind a desk all day, I’d be keen to hear from you.

With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.