Job Description
We’re looking for a Crop Technician Who we are At wild bio we are radically enhancing crops to feed the world sustainably and promote a wilder planet. Wild plants have had half a billion years to evolve natural solutions for thriving in almost every environment on Earth. Our proprietary genetics platform harnesses these wild innovations to enhance the world’s most important crops. Wild-enhanced crops would simultaneously boost farm yields and promote gigaton-scale carbon mitigation strategies. If you’re looking for a start-up that has enormous potential for impact on growers, consumers, and the planet, please read on. We are a well-funded, fast-paced Oxford University spin-out working from state-of-the-art molecular biology labs and office at Milton Park, Oxfordshire. We are now in our next phase of growth and are looking for high-performing individuals to join us and significantly contribute to delivering the change we believe in. We’re looking for someone who is driven, curious, and excited to work on cutting-edge R&D projects. We offer a competitive compensation package and are building an environment where you would be enabled to creatively problem solve, default to action to create positive change, and be part of a team where teamwork and employee growth and wellbeing is front and centre. What you will be doing Work with a team of scientists and technicians to develop and implement plant care across a range of common crop types including Wheat, Soybean and Maize Carry out routine and daily plant care duties such as health checks, watering, nutrient management, pest management and plant propagation Maintain and implement growing systems Support plant phenotyping, such as plant height, leaf counts, green area and other physical characteristics Monitor soil carbon Develop the existing system to maximise crop potential in controlled environment growing conditions Implement and carry out crop trials in controlled environment growing conditions Write new, and contribute to existing, Standard Operating Practices Propagate crops regularly for the needs of the wider team for a range of purposes Keep the growing areas clean and tidy for biosecurity and viewing purposes Essential qualities and skills Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, in crop science, plus two or more years' experience of working with plants in controlled or greenhouse environments. An equivalent combination of education and experience will also be considered. Demonstrable experience of working with plants in controlled environment settings and an understanding of experimental design in the propagation of crops Experience of growing at least one of the target crops, Wheat, Soybean or Maize Demonstrable experience working as part of a larger team, acting as an enabler for different projects and a willingness to engage and help where needed Familiarity with plant propagation techniques such as irrigation systems, nutrient application, soil mixing techniques and plant support structures Familiarity with the use of Microsoft Excel Flexible with working hours outside of office hours where needed, including travel to research institutes within the UK Ability to respond quickly to emergencies with access to Milton Park being no more than 1 hour from home Must have the right to work in the UK Desirable qualities and skills Experience and training in the safe use and handling of pesticides and application (PA1 and PA6) Experience in growing more than one target crop Familiarity with handling data from experiments, and the ability to process and present data clearly Full UK driving license To thrive with us, you will: Be a team player in a multi-disciplinary environment, building relationships, and gaining trust from others through honesty, compassion, and authenticity. Have a curious and courageous mindset, enjoy stepping up to try new things in a changing environment, and taking initiative where there is often ambiguity. Approach solving difficult and complex problems head on, working from first principles and collaborating as a team to re-think problems and learn from both successes and failures. Want to seek out new opportunities to develop, share learnings with others, and strive to support others in their own development and growth. Challenge established approaches with the aim of improving the system. Take initiative where needed with tasks that have not been assigned. Salary range: £27,000-£31,000 base pay plus company benefits Location: Headquartered in Milton Park, Oxfordshire, with occasional flexible working in discussion with the business You can also apply for this role by clicking the Apply Button.