Anatomical Pathology Technician/Technologist

National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB)
Cambridge
6 months ago
Applications closed

Niab is a leading crop science organisation with a long history of support and service in UK agriculture. It stands at the forefront of research in plant genetics, pathology, agronomy, farming systems, and data science. We are seeking an enthusiastic and organised, trainee Technician to be part of our well-established Pathology team to supporting UK arable farming, both through contract work for APHA, AHDB and commercial pathology trials. As a Pathology Technician, you will: Assist with the setting up of pathology field, glasshouse and growth cabinet trials. Apply pathogen inoculum to plants, collect infected plant material and assess the levels of infection on plant material both in situ and in the laboratory environment. Assess trials, process and interpret disease data and have an awareness of a range of nutritional, bacterial, fungal and pest symptoms in the field. Contribute to research projects when required. Oversee growth rooms and lab equipment, keeping growth rooms and laboratory space clean and tidy. Salary: from £23,088 per annum, depending on experience with paid overtime being available. Contract: Permanent Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday Motivated Team: Our Plant Pathology team is a vibrant community of over 20 staff, PhD students, and visiting workers. State-of-the-Art Facilities: Includes extensive walk-in growth rooms, glasshouses, and well-equipped laboratories. Field Trials Across Cambridgeshire and Norfolk: Your work will span the laboratory, field, and office, adapting to the seasons. Physical Engagement: From standing and walking to occasional manual handling, it is an active role requiring a reasonable level of physical fitness. A formal qualification in crop sciences / agronomy (preferably with some crop pathology knowledge). A full UK driving licence and a willingness to drive light passenger vehicles as the site is inaccessible by public transport. Experience with plant pathology and culturing fungi, bacteria or oomycetes (an understanding of UK arable crop production systems is desirable). Competency in relevant Microsoft Office applications. You will be based in our state-of-the-art facilities at Niab Park Farm, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9NZ which is equipped with molecular biology and plant growth amenities, including extensive glasshouses, walk-in growth rooms, and containment units for genetically modified plant trials. As a member of the Niab team, you will be contributing to the Crop Science Centre, an alliance between Niab and the University of Cambridge, with a shared vision to deliver sustainable food production across the UK. With over 250 hectares of commercial cropping and field trials, Niab provides an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in advancing the science of crop cultivation. Cambridge Park Farm site: Benefits include 25 days holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, flexible working, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme, employee assistance programme, cycle to work scheme and free on-site parking. 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. Please note that following changes to Immigration Law in April 2024, this role does not qualify for a Skilled Worker visa sponsorship. Candidates with independently held immigration permission would be considered.

Get the latest insights and jobs direct. Sign up for our newsletter.

By subscribing you agree to our privacy policy and terms of service.

Industry Insights

Discover insightful articles, industry insights, expert tips, and curated resources.

How to Write a Winning Cover Letter for AI Jobs: Proven 4-Paragraph Structure

Learn how to craft the perfect cover letter for AI jobs with this proven 4-paragraph structure. Perfect for junior developers and career switchers. When applying for an AI job, your cover letter can make all the difference. For many, the process of writing a cover letter for an AI position can be daunting, especially when there are so few specific guides for tailoring it to the industry. However, a clear, effective structure combined with AI-specific language and examples can help you stand out from the competition. Whether you're a junior entering the field or a mid-career professional switching to AI, the following framework will make it easier for you to craft a compelling cover letter. In this article, we’ll take you through a proven four-paragraph structure that works and provide sample lines that you can adapt to your personal experience.

Veterans in Tech: A Military‑to‑Civilian Pathway into AI Jobs

Published on ArtificialIntelligenceJobs.co.uk – empowering the UK talent pipeline for artificial intelligence, data, and robotics. Introduction Leaving the Armed Forces is both a proud milestone and a daunting leap into the unknown. Whether you served with the Royal Navy, British Army, Royal Air Force or Royal Marines, one thing is certain: the skills you forged under pressure are in high demand—especially in the booming field of artificial intelligence (AI).  The UK’s AI market is expected to contribute £400 billion to the economy by 2030, with defence and security applications at its core. Employers from start‑ups to FTSE‑100 giants are crying out for disciplined professionals who understand mission‑critical environments. Ex‑service personnel fit the bill perfectly. This guide maps the military‑to‑civilian journey, signposts Ministry of Defence (MoD) transition programmes, and shows you exactly how to land your first AI role. Quick Win: Bookmark our live listings for Machine Learning Engineer roles to see which employers are hiring right now.

AI Summit London 2025: A Complete Guide for UK AI Engineers & Recruiters

Artificial intelligence may be a border-less technology, but every ecosystem needs a beating heart where the community meets face-to-face. For the British Isles that heart is The AI Summit London, the headline AI event of London Tech Week, returning to Tobacco Dock on 11–12 June 2025. With eight content stages, 4 500+ attendees and 300 speakers spanning government, FTSE-100 giants and rocket-ship start-ups, the Summit offers a year’s worth of insight, deal-making and career acceleration in just 48 hours. Whether you are an AI engineer optimising vector databases, a data scientist pivoting into prompt ops, or a hiring manager scouring the market for talent, this handbook distils everything you need to hit the ground running—from ticket tactics and agenda highlights to networking hacks and post-event ROI.