Research Technician

Scotland's Rural College (SRUC) is hiring a Research Technician to support ecological and digital technology research at their Kirkton & Auchtertyre farms in Crianlarich, UK. The role involves managing ecological data, deploying digital sensors, and participating in knowledge transfer events. Candidates should have relevant field experience and education at SCQF Level 8 or above. The job is not remote, as interviews are conducted in-person.
About the team:

The Hill & Mountain Research Centre, with its team of systems-scale researchers, is based at Kirkton and Auchtertyre Farms, a 2,200 ha estate near Crianlarich in the west Highlands of Scotland.

The site is set within the Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park and ranges from productive low ground fields to high altitude (over 1,000 metres above sea level) semi-natural habitats of high nature conservation value.

We are a Linking Environment & Farming (LEAF) Innovation Centre and a member of the Global Farm Platform initiative.

Our work aims to seek economically, environmentally and socially sustainable land management systems in the context of international, national and local land use policies.

In particular, our research and demonstration activities help highlight how precision livestock farming approaches can be used to address agricultural and environmental challenges.

About the opportunity:

Applications are invited for a highly motivated individual to provide technical support to ecological and digital technology research being conducted at SRUC’s Kirkton & Auchtertyre research and demonstration farms, near Crianlarich. The successful candidate will have proven relevant experience of the collection of ecological and environmental data in the field. Previous experience of the use of digital sensors and associated technology (such as drones, GIS, IoT sensors) will be an advantage.

Key areas of work of this post will include:
• Assisting with the management and recording of ecological and environmental data from upland environments;
• Helping deploy and manage digital sensors and the collection, storage and the preparation of data from these for analyses;
• The engagement (with others in the team) in knowledge transfer events both on and off the farms;

The post-holder will perform additional duties as directed from time to time by the Head of Centre or Research Fellow. The post holder must use their initiative in the conduct of their work, and apply sound judgement at all times to ensure that they conduct themselves within the framework of SRUC regulations and procedures.

Minimum qualifications:

The successful candidate will be educated to SCQF Level 8 (HND level) or above, in a relevant subject (e.g conservation, agriculture or land use management).

For full person specification, please read the Job Particulars document.

Admin ref: ASWF/ILM/011/25

Closing date: 21 February 2025

Interview: Note that interviews will be held in-person at SRUC Kirkton Farm, Crianlarich, FK20 8RU

Eligibility for Sponsorship:

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. If you are a migrant worker, you will need to ensure you have an appropriate visa to evidence the necessary right to work in the UK.

Salary and benefits:
• Generous annual leave
• Enhanced pension contributions to contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted RAC Membership
• Generous family leave
• We encourage Continuing Professional Development with a tailored investment in an individuals' learning and development
• Flexible working patterns
• Hybrid working solutions (in some areas)

How to Apply:

Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”.

Full details can be found in the Job Particulars document downloadable from the link above.

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SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046