Animal Free Research UK jobs

Job Title: Assistant Plant Geneticist
Location: East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ
Salary: £28,251 to £37,112 per annum, depending on experience
Contract: Permanent
Working hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Closing date: 17 June 2026

Are you interested in plant science? Join Niab’s Plant Genetics team and play a key role in supporting research and development activities across several fruit crops, including apple, raspberry, strawberry and honeyberry.

In this varied and hands-on role, you will provide support to three key activities: Defra funded soft fruit Genetic Improvement Network, commercial apple breeding programme and maintenance of valuable fruit germplasms.

What the role involves: ​​

• Regular assessment of plants to support project work, including checks on fruit quality, yield and pest or disease resistance
• Carrying out DNA extraction, PCR and marker-based genotyping to support molecular work for dissecting genetic determinants of specific traits and identifying specific genotypes.
• Supporting clonal propagation of plant material so that key genetic resources are maintained and available for experimental use
• Keeping accurate records of experiments and entering data into digital systems in line with Niab protocols to ensure research integrity​

About You​

Essential requirements:​​

• BSc in Biology or Horticulture/Agriculture or equivalent
• Understanding of plant biology
• Microsoft Office eg - Outlook, Word, Excel and Powerpoint
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• Basic knowledge of molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR and marker-based genotyping
• Willingness to work in variable weather conditions and physically demanding environments
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team​

Desirable requirements:​​

• MSc in Biology or Horticulture/Agriculture or equivalent
• A working knowledge of basic molecular biology techniques such as DNA extraction, PCR and marker-based genotyping
• Experience in clonal propagation
• Awareness of horticultural or field-based growing environments
• Good communication skills
• Driving licence or access to independent means of transport, enabling occasional travel to external sites in United Kingdom. Transport can be provided.

Location

The role is based at Niab East Malling, New Road, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ, 3 miles from junction 4 of the M20, and head south on the A228, then A20 to ‘West Malling and Maidstone’. A 10-minute walk from East Malling training station. Free on-site parking.

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Xiangming Xu, Director of Research (xiangming.xu@niab.com).

Click link below for the full Job Description.

​​ABOUT US

Niab is the UK’s leading crop science organisation, with research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science, the largest national field trials capability, and strong research links with industry, Government and academia. With headquarters in Cambridge, and regional offices across the country, employing over 350 people across the UK, NIAB advances the role of plant genetic resources through research services and training. Niab’s position at the interface of academic research and commercial breeding offers opportunities for strong collaborations across the plant sciences sector.

Niab actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability.

About the Application Process
Apply by clicking the Apply button above, please read the Job Description, which provide full details about the role, application process and what to expect.​

Important Information

• This is a UK-based role. You will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process.
• Where the role meets the relevant criteria, we are able to consider Skilled Worker visa sponsorship in line with Home Office requirements. Any offer of sponsorship will be subject to the role meeting the skill and salary thresholds and to the individual meeting the Home Office eligibility criteria.
• We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities and do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010.
• Niab reserves the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time

Pay: £28,251.00-£37,112.00 per year

Benefits:

• Canteen
• Company pension
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• On-site parking

Work Location: In person