Research Technician Visa Sponsorship Uk

Job Description

Research Technician/Senior Research Technician – Soil Assessment & Agri-Tech

About the Role

We are looking for a Research Technician or Senior Research Technician with expertise in soil assessment and agri-tech to support soil sensor deployment, soil sampling, and analysis. This position is part of the UKRI-funded LUNZ-funded project ‘OpenLAND: Open Evaluation of Climate-resilient Interventions for Land Management, Soil Health and Net Zero’, in collaboration with the University of East Anglia (UEA, the lead research organisation) and other partners.

This role focuses on advancing soil health assessment through sensor technology and autonomous platforms, working closely with the agricultural sector. You will collaborate with research teams at Plymouth and UEA to develop innovative, sensor-based approaches for soil data collection.

You will be based in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences within the Faculty of Science and Engineering and affiliated with the Sustainable Earth Institute. Our school is home to an interdisciplinary team of academics researching climate change, natural hazards, pollution, energy transitions, and sustainable land use. Our location in southwest England offers access to national parks, Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, historic towns, and a 650-mile coastline, providing a unique setting for research and study.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome candidates with:

• An HND (or equivalent) in a relevant field or an M-Level qualification in soil science, environmental sensor technology, or a related research area.
• Experience working with soil sensor technology, agri-robotic system deployment, and farmer engagement in applied research or agri-business settings.
• A full UK driving licence (manual transmission), as this role requires travel using University of Plymouth vehicles.
• Please note: If you require visa sponsorship, this role may be subject to ATAS clearance.
• Health surveillance through our Occupational Health team is required.

This is a full-time, fixed-term position (37 hours per week) for 24 months, funded through the project. Due to the nature of the role, remote work is not possible.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Prof. Will Blake (william.blake@plymouth.ac.uk).

How to Apply

To apply, please submit an online application demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description.

The appointment will be at Grade 5 or 6, depending on experience. You should tailor your application to the job description, though the University may offer a position at the appropriate level based on skills and experience.

Interview Date: Week commencing 24th March 2025

Why Join Us?

We offer a range of benefits, including:

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays & closure days
• Generous pension scheme
• Cycle to Work & Electric Car Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional development opportunities
• Enhanced family leave
• Flexible working options
• Retail discounts
• On-site nursery

Our Commitment to Inclusion

The University of Plymouth is an inclusive community that values diversity. We actively support gender equality (Athena SWAN award), race equality, and LGBT+ inclusion.

We encourage applications from underrepresented communities, including ethnically diverse candidates, individuals with disabilities, and LGBT+ applicants.

For more details about our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion, visit our [dedicated webpage].

For more information about the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, visit: https://www.plymouth.ac.uk/schools.