The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) (www.nri.org) is an internationally renowned multi-disciplinary centre of the University of Greenwich leading research on sustainable development, food security, economic growth and poverty reduction in the UK and globally. An opportunity has arisen for a Molecular Biology and Microbiology Research Technician with a BSc in biological sciences who has relevant experience and vision to support research across molecular plant pathology, biotechnology and crop protection.

The successful candidate will join a BBSRC-funded project to study the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea and develop strategies to manage this important disease in strawberry cropping. The Research Technician will work closely with post-doctoral research staff to understand fungal evolution, identify new sources of crop resistance, develop molecular diagnostics for in-field disease identification and explore the efficacy of biocontrol application to control disease.

Once appointed, the post holder will support the research team in a wide variety of molecular and microbiological approaches. These include microbial culturing, DNA extraction, PCR, preparation of material for genome sequencing and undertaking pathogenicity assays. The Research Technician will also be involved in general lab management, including maintaining lab supplies and stocks, maintaining and updating protocols, and interacting with collaborating laboratories.

The successful candidate will join the Agriculture, Health and Environment Department (AHED, https://www.nri.org/about/organisation-and-people/agriculture-health-and-environment-department), which has a well-established group working across plant pathology and is particularly concerned with applying molecular biotechnological knowledge for reducing crop losses. Where required, the Research Technician post will provide technical support to teaching activities and research projects across the department. They will facilitate effective function of the molecular laboratories at NRI whilst adhering to correct procedures, including health and safety guidelines and plant-health licenses.

This is a part-time (20 hrs per week), fixed-term position (16 months) based at NRI on the University of Greenwich’s vibrant Medway Campus. We particularly welcome applicants who are available for an immediate start.

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Andrew Armitage (A.D.Armitage@gre.ac.uk)

Should you have any recruitment related queries please contact the People Directorate Operations Team on peopleoperationsfes@gre.ac.uk

Further details of the fantastic benefits and what we offer can be found here: Our benefits – what we offer | Jobs and careers | University of Greenwich and information on the university’s working principles: Working Principles and Guidelines | Documents | University of Greenwich

To apply, please visit the University of Greenwich vacancies page and complete all details, including the supporting statements (please note attached CVs and personal statements will not be seen by the recruitment panel at the application stage). Current Vacancies – Jobs at Greenwich

We are looking for people who can help us deliver our mission of transforming lives through inspired teaching and research, through our values. The university welcomes people from diverse and underrepresented communities who can help the university to achieve its mission.

We do this through taking positive action such as encouraging applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled and LGBT+ people. As part of our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Time to Change Employer Pledge/Mentally Healthy Universities, we are committed to promoting and supporting the physical and mental health of all our staff, and removing barriers to improve inclusion.

We encourage applicants to disclose experience of mental health problems so we can support them fully during our recruitment process and make any necessary reasonable adjustments. Any information disclosed will be kept confidential and separate from the job application form.

We are making significant strides to understand and continuously improve our employees’ experience and we are committed to implementing progressive diversity talent management.