Job Title: Research Technician

THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM Recruitment Role Profile Form

School/Department: Biosciences / Technical Services

Salary: £17,210 - £20,400 pro rata depending on qualifications and experience.

Job Family and Level: Technical Services Level 2

Contract Status: Fixed term for a period of 1 year from January 2016

Hours of Work: Part time 15 hours / week (2 full days or 4 half days)

Location: Sutton Bonington Campus,

Reporting to: PI & Technical Services Manager

Purpose of the Role: Provide technical assistance to the Sustainable Agriculture Group running a research program on nutrient efficiency in crops funded by TSB, Innovate UK. The post-holder will be responsible for the growth, maintenance and monitoring of crop plants and pepper plants in glasshouses and growth chambers, measurements of crop production & nutrient efficiency with abiotic (heat) stress & data analysis. The role holder would be based within the Division of Agriculture & Environmental Science.

Main Responsibilities % time per year

1.  Preparation of seed, germination, planting and day-to-day maintenance 35% of crop plants and pepper plants in growth chambers and glasshouses. Application of nutrients and protection where appropriate.  Maintain accurate records of the planting and of growth and development of the plants through to full canopies.  Accurate maintenance of laboratory notebook and preparation of data. 2.  Carrying out routine physiological measurements on whole plants as 30% determined by consultation with the PIs, especially measurements of photosynthesis and nutrient analysis. 3.  Harvesting of plant material, preparation of samples for analysis and 20% biochemical analysis of sample constituents. This may involve basic laboratory procedures such as making up solutions, altering pH. 4.  Advise on the purchasing of equipment & consumables ensuring 5% adequate stocks of laboratory supplies & maintaining appropriate records.

5.  Comply with Health & Safety procedures and ensure risk assessments 5% are appropriately completed & reviewed. 6.  Be present at meetings on University site as requested, where they are 3% linked to the project. 7.  Any other duties which are appropriate to the grade and role of the 2% post holder

Recruitment Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications & Experience

Essential Desirable Qualifications/ Two A’Levels in science subjects, or University degree in a relevant Education equivalent vocational qualifications subject. (NVQ City & Guild) plus some relevant technical/scientific experience.

OR Considerable work experience in a relevant technical or scientific role.

Skills/Training Plant growth and handling for Measurements of photosynthesis scientific purposes in controlled using LIcor (gas exchange, environments. porometry, water content, chlorophyll fluorescence). Handling equipment for scientific analysis.

Basic statistical analysis skills & the ability to manage large data sets.

Good written and oral communication skills.

An understanding of Health & Safety regulations and procedures.

Possess good record keeping skills

Proven planning and organisation skills Experience Previous experience working in a Practical laboratory experience of biological science laboratory & proven leaf and whole plant basic laboratory skills. photosynthesis (gas exchange) stress physiology and Competent in undertaking a range of morphology. technical support activities without constant guidance. Manual dexterity will be required in some of the duties.

Other Interest in plant and crop science.

Decision Making i) taken independently by the role holder Prioritise own workload. Prioritise routine tasks. Selection and preparation of materials and equipment needed to complete all duties. Completion of relevant documentation relating to specific tasks. Set own high standards of work. Observance of pest and disease problems or other plant requirements that may occur in the glasshouse.

of 3 ii) taken in collaboration with others Collaboration with other glasshouse/growth room users when required on housekeeping requirements. Collaborate with other laboratory users, including postgraduate students and technical staff to ensure appropriate safety and housekeeping requirements are met. iii) referred to the appropriate line manager (please name) by the role holder

Any problems regarding pest or disease discovered in the glasshouse. Authorisation of any purchase orders. Any other unexpected problems with plants. General unforeseen experimental problems

Please quote ref: SCI/350815.