Senior Technician Teaching and Research Crops Science(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

Role Overview

Reporting to the Technical Manager, you will play a central role in supporting research and teaching operations at CRU. You will be involved in field work, laboratory analysis, equipment management, and student support, helping to maintain our position at the forefront of sustainable crop science.

Key responsibilities include

• Performing mechanised field operations, including cultivations, treatments, applications of plant protection products, and harvesting
• Maintaining, repairing, and constructing agricultural machinery and trial equipment in the workshop
• Planning, managing, and conducting field trials and crop agronomy
• Carrying out laboratory analyses of crop, seed, and soil samples
• Supporting the maintenance of the trials site and infrastructure
• Assisting students and academics with practical research work
• Occasionally supporting other technical teams across the University’s farms and Crops Research facilities
• Training will be provided for specialist techniques and equipment use, including PA1 and PA2 spraying certification.

Candidate Profile

You should ideally have:

• A qualification equivalent to HNC, AS/A-Level, NVQ3 in Agricultural Science, Mechanical Workshop subjects, or a related field; a degree with less practical experience will also be considered
• Basic knowledge of crop production and a willingness to develop further expertise
• Mechanical aptitude and practical workshop experience
• Skills in tractor driving and general farm machinery operation
• Enthusiasm for training in crop production techniques
• Experience or aptitude for plant, seed, and soil processing
• Attention to detail and the ability to maintain accurate records

Visa & Right to Work Information

This post may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting points-based criteria. Candidates requiring visa sponsorship are encouraged to review eligibility in advance.

Skilled Worker visa overview:
https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa

Right to work in the UK:
https://www.gov.uk/check-job-applicant-right-to-work

Diversity, Inclusion & Flexible Working

The University of Reading is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We support:

• Athena SWAN Charter (gender equality)
• Race Equality Charter
• LGBT+ inclusion
• Disability Confident Employer (Level 2)

Applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements are welcomed. Our inclusive practices reflect UK equality legislation

Technical Services is a founding signatory of the Technician Commitment, championing the development and recognition of technical staff.

Why Join Technical Services at Reading?

This is a chance to work in a dynamic, hands-on environment contributing directly to sustainable agriculture research and education. Your practical expertise will support both cutting-edge scientific research and the next generation of agricultural scientists.