Life Science jobs in Occold

Job Title: Farming Systems Research Technician
Location: Wymondham, Norfolk, NR18 9DF
Salary: £24,455 per annum
Contract: 6-months fixed term in the first instance with the opportunity to convert to a permanent role, subject to organisational needs and satisfactory performance
Working hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday)
Closing date: 28 July 2026

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About the Role
We are seeking a motivated and practical Farming Systems Research Technician to join our Farming Systems team on a 6-month fixed-term contract in the first instance. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to industry-leading research focused on soils, farming systems, agronomy and sustainable crop production.

Working alongside Farming Systems Specialists and the wider trials team, you will support the delivery of field experiments, long-term research programmes and monitoring projects across Morley and East Anglia. The role offers a varied mix of field-based and office-based work, including trial management, soil and crop assessments, data collection and analysis, and supporting knowledge exchange activities.
This position would suit someone with experience in the agricultural or land-based sector who enjoys working outdoors, has strong attention to detail, and is keen to develop their knowledge of agricultural research and soil science.

Main Duties:

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• Support the delivery of farming systems, agronomy and soil research projects.
• Assist with the establishment, management and monitoring of field trials involving combinable crops, pulses, sugar beet and maize.
• Carry out soil and crop assessments, sampling and measurements in line with research protocols.
• Collect, validate and process research data using electronic systems and software packages.
• Support data analysis and reporting activities, including use of Excel and other analytical tools.
• Operate and maintain research equipment, including field monitoring and sampling equipment.
• Work closely with the Eastern Trials Team and external collaborators to ensure successful trial delivery
• Assist with demonstrations, site visits, plot tours and knowledge exchange events.
• Maintain high standards of health, safety and compliance across all activities.

Working Conditions:

• A mix of office and fieldwork, requiring flexibility and resilience to work outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Physically demanding tasks, including manual handling of items up to 25kg, such as seed bags and soil samples.
• Periods of lone working and additional hours during peak seasons are expected.

Location
The role is based at Morley, Norfolk, NR18 9DF. You will manage the day-to-day operations of the Niab long term experiment programme at Morley and across East Anglia and occasionally assist at sites across the UK, including Cambridge HQ.

About You
Essential Requirements

• Experience within the agriculture, environmental or wider land-based sector.
• Good standard of education including English, Mathematics and Science.
• Full UK driving licence is essential as travelling to other trial sites within the region and occasionally to our other centres around the UK is required.
• Experience of data collection, recording and analysis.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Microsoft Office eg. Outlook, Word and Excel
• A genuine interest in agricultural research and innovation.

Desirable Requirements

• Qualification in agriculture, applied science or a related land-based subject.
• Experience of agricultural field trials or research projects.
• Knowledge of crop production, soil science, environmental monitoring or agronomy.
• Experience with GIS, statistical analysis software or data management systems.
• PA1, PA2 and PA6 certifications or other machinery-related qualifications.

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Nathan Morris (nathan.morris@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.

​​Benefits include 25 days holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme and a comprehensive training program.

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.

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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: From £24,455.00 per year

Benefits:

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

Work Location: In person