Technician – Grow It York

Department

The role will be based at Grow It York in Spark* (Piccadilly, YO1 9PB). You will be a member of the Department of Biology, one of the UK's leading Biology departments and renowned internationally for our research. We have been recognised consistently for our family-friendly policies and are proud of our Athena SWAN Gold Award. We aim to ensure that there is a supportive culture across all staff groups and levels. We promote good practice and a strong culture of equality in higher education. We want to recruit the best people for roles and there is some flexibility on how the 0.4FTE of this role is split, although Monday and Friday would be preferable.

Role

We are looking for a Research Technician to play a key role in running Grow It York – an urban vertical farm part of a multi-university project called FixOurFood. This technical position will run the indoor vertical farm and assist with research into its environmental and social impacts. We are exploring how the farm can lead to environmental benefits for local food businesses, how it can enhance consumption of leafy vegetables in the local area, and have positive social benefits for individuals and communities. You will work under the supervision of Dr Alana Kluczkovski and Prof Katherine Denby.

The main duties and responsibilities of this role will be:

• To provide technical and scientific support to Grow It York. This will involve all aspects of running the vertical farm including: growing plants; cleaning/maintenance of the farm equipment; harvesting/packaging produce; record-keeping; liaison with food businesses and community food hubs; management and ordering of supplies. You will work under your own initiative as well as part of a wider team.
• To maintain accurate records of work undertaken and communicate results via reports or presentations.
• To understand, promote and apply COSHH/Risk Assessment, departmental health and safety protocols, and UK food safety and hygiene standards ensuring procedures are followed at all times.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• Degree or equivalent in biological sciences or appropriate experience
• Knowledge of plant biology and ability to implement a range of practical plant science techniques
• Experience of growing plants and maintaining high standards of plant health
• Ability to perform complex technical tasks to a consistently high standard with attention to detail, and to keep detailed records of activities and use these to improve procedures
• In depth knowledge of relevant safety regulations and procedures for example, COSHH and risk assessment, and good microbiological practice
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to maintain a positive, open attitude toward others, to value and support colleagues

Closing date: 30th April 2023

Interview date: May 10th 2023

For informal enquiries: please contact Prof. Katherine Denby on Katherine.denby@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork