Technical Research Assistant

Food Security is a key global concern and supporting our farmers, growers and landowners to monitor and minimise the environmental impact of growing and rearing our food of utmost importance, more so in rural areas such as Cornwall the Isles of Scilly. The University of Plymouth is looking to appoint a dynamic and experienced Technical Research Assistant to work across two exciting new projects, SMART Ag and Agri-Robotics Cornwall (ARC). Both projects are funded by the UK Government/Cornwall Council through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly (IoS) (known as the Good Growth Fund). 

The SMART Ag project will develop technologically enhanced Controlled Environment Agricultural (CEA) systems on campus and other sites across Cornwall including Duchy College Rosewarne, and will work with tech developers, growers and famers across Cornwall and the IoS to develop and demonstrate emerging CEA technology.

ARC (part of the Good Growth Entrepreneurial Futures project) will be demonstrating, deploying and testing automation and robotic systems incorporating AR/VR, AI, drones and sensors, at a number of agricultural/horticultural locations across Cornwall and the IoS, specifically showcasing and testing emerging technology and mobile platforms for research and commercialisation purposes alongside farmers and growers.

Both projects aim to accelerate growth of the agri-enviro tech and agri food sectors in Cornwall and the IoS, supporting the future green economy and providing opportunities for tech companies, growers, farmers and landowners to collaborate and develop, deploy and trial current and emerging technology at a field level alongside experts and researchers in soil/biodiversity/crop health etc. We will be developing, trialling and demonstrating mobile platforms, automation, sensors, drones and robotic technology, working with a number of academics, commercial partners, stakeholders and students, specifically in the farming, agri-enviro tec, horticulture and agri-pharmaceutical sectors. You will be working with a number of cross disciplinary researchers and project teams developing and testing technology in all environments and weathers.

You will be based at the University’s Sustainable Earth Institute and located in the University’s newly refurbished Sustainability Hub but expected to work across Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly when required.

You must be well organised and have practical experience of working with sensors, drones and robotic technology in external environments, working with academic/research teams, funding bodies and commercial stakeholders. You must also be used to working in a fast paced project delivery environment with a high level of numeracy and accuracy.

Please note – UK Shared Prosperity Fund – this project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. Cornwall Council has been chosen by Government as the Lead Authority for the fund and is responsible for monitoring the progress of projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.

There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Jake Gibson Shaw Sutton by email at [email protected]  

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing 19th February 2024 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis until 31st March 2025 subject to funding confirmation.  Extensions may be available subject to securing future funding.

Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion webpages

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.

Job Description