Research Associate – IHCEA Dundee, Scotland
Job description
Contract: Fixed Term, 12 Months
Hours: Flexible working hours
Salary: Based on experience
Location: James Hutton Institute, Invergowrie, Dundee
Crop Health and Protection Limited (“CHAP”) is one of the four Centres for Agricultural Innovation and a key component of the UK Government’s Agri-Tech Strategy, aiming to spark scientific and technical innovation that enables transformational change and sustainable productivity in agriculture.
About the Role
The role of Research Associate at our vertical farming demonstrator facility – the Innovation Hub for Controlled Environment Agriculture (IHCEA), will be based on-site at the globally renowned James Hutton Institute in Dundee (Scotland). The role would suit an experienced Biology / Plant Science graduate, with specialisation in Horticulture and experience with Hydroponic systems an advantage. The IHCEA has been established to develop new and next-generation technologies and offers testing facilities as well as research development and integration capabilities in controlled environment farming.
Specific responsibilities will evolve based on business needs and you will have the opportunity to shape this as a critical member of the team.
Role Overview – Key Responsibilities and Measures:
The following provides an overview of the role’s key responsibilities and measures.
- Check and adjust critical parameters of the hydroponic farm (water, pH, EC, nutrient levels).
- Monitor crops development, document weight, height and other agronomic characteristics, leading to harvest, as required by projects.
- Sowing, propagation, and transplant of crops.
- Manage microbiological testing processes and matrix.
- Evaluate protocols, recommend improvements, make ongoing recommendations and implement changes.
- Maintain and develop protocols and SOPs.
- Act as the main operational contact for the IHCEA.
- Liaise with Operations team to schedule maintenance as part of the asset management process.
- Support the planning and coordination design of experiments based on project requirements with the Sector Lead.
- Desk-based research activities supporting the development of collaborative projects.
- Project delivery reporting as required.
- Develop a network of contacts with James Hutton Institute staff.
- Keep up-to-date with literature, scientific and technological development within or related to the sector.
- Fulfil internal and external reporting requirements.
Person Specification:
- Enthusiastic
- Problem solving, can-do attitude
- Multi-disciplinary with applied science and an interest in engineering
- Self-motivated, able to work without direct supervision; develop ideas and skills using own initiative
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team
- Attention to detail
- Excellent communication both written and orally
- Previous facility management experience an advantage
- Computer proficient with a good working knowledge of standard office programmes and an ability to learn new software quickly
Qualifications and Experience:
- An experienced Biology / Plant Science graduate; degree (ideally Masters) or equivalent.
- Experience in practical use of research technology.
- Prior experience of working with hydroponic systems would be an advantage.
- Must have a good understanding of statistical analysis and software.
- Proven track record of delivering practical work.
For more information and an informal confidential discussion please e-mail your CV and covering letter TO [email protected]
