Research Associate - Weed Control Research Biology
Location: Jealott's Hill International Research Centre, Bracknell
Rate: £13.62 per hour
Contract Length: 12 months
Overview
The Research Associate will support the Weed Control Research Biology team on the Secondary Profiling Screen (SPS) platform. This role is responsible for conducting herbicide screening activities within a glasshouse environment, including spraying, maintaining, and assessing plants to generate high-quality biological data that supports herbicide research and development projects.
Working within the Trialling Operations team in Technical Support - Weed Control, the successful candidate will contribute to the delivery of timely, accurate, and reliable research outcomes through established and innovative weed screening methodologies.
Key Responsibilities

• Conduct experimental work independently and collaboratively using established and novel weed screening methods.
• Spray, maintain, monitor, and assess herbicide bioassays within glasshouse environments.
• Maintain plants and experimental bays, ensuring optimal growing conditions are achieved and sustained.
• Undertake daily glasshouse upkeep activities, including cleaning, bay clearance, and plant disposal.
• Ensure all work is completed with precision, accuracy, and efficiency.
• Adhere to all Health, Safety, and Environmental policies and procedures.
• Operate effectively within a high-throughput research environment while meeting project timelines.
• Identify and report experimental issues, deviations, and non-conformities.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure databases and documentation are up to date.
• Support the training of colleagues on routine tasks and procedures where required.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic and consistently deliver high-quality work.
• Proactively identify challenges and contribute to problem-solving activities.
• Recommend and support improvements to Ways of Working (WoW) across the screening platform.

Required Skills and Experience

• General knowledge of plant biology, with knowledge of weed control and agronomy considered advantageous.
• Basic understanding of laboratory techniques and scientific research practices.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong analytical, organisational, and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team while also managing independent responsibilities.
• Adaptability and willingness to learn new techniques and processes.
• Strong self-motivation, time management, and organisational abilities.
• Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume research environment.

Education

• Preferred: BSc degree in a relevant scientific discipline (e.g., Biology, Plant Science, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science).
• Alternative: A Levels with relevant experience in a related scientific or agricultural field.

Guidant, Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group Portfolio are acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy.