Research Technician

About Us 

We're on a mission to change the world by growing better. As a B-Corp certified, energy-saving, sustainably powered vertical farm, we're transforming the way food is grown—creating delicious, nutritious, and affordable produce that doesn't cost the earth. 

We believe in bold ambitions and simple solutions, tackling one of the world's biggest challenges: sustainable food production. Our moonshot? By 2050, 1 in 3 people will be eating vertically farmed food, proving we can feed a growing world using less land. 

At our core, we believe in:
 Standing Tall – We do what we say we're going to do. We take pride in our work.
 Thinking Big – We embrace bold ambitions while avoiding unnecessary complexity.
Growing Together – We're one team, collaborating and challenging each other to unlock our full potential.
Being Deep Rooted – We do the right thing, even when no one is looking. We care about people, the planet, and our business. 

Now, we're looking for a Research Technician to join us and help drive this mission forward. 

Your Role 

We're looking for a Research Technician to support our mission of growing the best plants better through innovative research and development. This role is essential to delivering high-quality scientific trials and crop-growing experiments that directly contribute to improving the future of crop production. 

Location: This role will be based at the Leaf Lab, just outside Cambridge, UK. It will consist of five days of on-site work and occasional weekend work (shared across the team). Flexibility is key as this role supports a dynamic, fast-paced R&D environment. 

You'll work closely with the Research Associates and other R&D team members, playing a key role in setting up and executing trials, collecting and analysing data, and maintaining equipment. As part of this role, you'll be expected to stand tall—delivering results with integrity, flexibility, and a strong collaborative spirit. 

This role can be physically demanding and may involve repetitive tasks such as lifting trays of mature plants, standing for long periods, and maintaining routine processes. We're looking for someone comfortable working hands-on in a production-style environment and bringing energy and resilience to their daily work. 

Who you'll be working with 

You'll be part of the Leaf Lab R&D team, a passionate and curious group of researchers committed to world-class horticultural innovation. Our team operates in a high-change, high-ambiguity environment, working together to solve complex problems and explore new ideas in vertical and controlled-environment agriculture. 

You'll work alongside the Research Associates and cross-functional collaborators to deliver well-run experiments and translate scientific insights into better crop-growing practices. At Leaf Lab, we grow together—supporting each other to flourish, take ownership, and contribute meaningfully to a greener future. 

We believe in growing together, ensuring every team member has the opportunity to flourish and make a real impact. Managers play a key role in bringing the company's purpose and ESG goals to life. By integrating these priorities into team operations, they help employees understand their importance and empower them to contribute through their daily work and decision-making.  

What you'll be doing 

• Trial Preparation & Execution (40%) – Get growing chambers trial-ready and support R&D delivery
  • Prepare and set up growing chambers for trials, ensuring all equipment and environmental parameters are correct
  • Support with seeding, plant care, and monitoring throughout the trial lifecycle
  • Carry out in-trial data collection and post-harvest assessments, including yield, quality, and shelf-life analyses
• Equipment Maintenance & Calibration (30%) – Keep systems running smoothly
  • Support with calibration, cleaning, and maintenance of lab and hydroponic equipment
  • Follow protocols to ensure data reliability and equipment functionality
  • Escalate any issues or faults proactively to the team
  • Collaboration & Process Improvement (20%) – Work as part of a dynamic and curious team
    • Coordinate with teammates to improve lab and growing procedures
    • Share insights, observations, and learnings to contribute to team-wide knowledge
    • Liaise with external partners when needed
  • Development & Growth (10%) – Invest in your skills and potential
    • Participate in personal and professional development opportunities
    • Contribute ideas, take initiative, and explore new techniques
    • Receive feedback openly and use it to improve your practice continually

Throughout your work, you'll be encouraged to think big, embracing innovation while keeping solutions efficient and effective and contributing to shaping the future of plant science and crop production. 

What skills you should have 

We're looking for someone who is deep rooted, passionate about people, the planet, and (of course) leafy greens, someone who thrives in a collaborative and purpose driven environment.  

Must have skills: 

• Background knowledge in plant science (e.g., a bachelor's degree or equivalent to 1 year of commercial horticultural research experience).
• Independent and solution-focused approach to work.
• Adaptable and agile in a changing research environment.
  • Strong attention to detail and ability to follow scientific protocols.
  • Ability to work collaboratively within a research team.

Nice to have skills: 

• Familiarity with hydroponic systems and environmental sensors.
• Basic understanding of experimental design and data analysis.
• Excellent organisational and communication abilities.

What success looks like in this role 

•  3 months in – You've rooted yourself in the Leaf Lab, built strong working relationships, and gained a solid understanding of our systems and processes. You can confidently set up a growing chamber for trials independently, support with seeding and data collection, and navigate day-to-day lab responsibilities with minimal guidance.
•  6 months in – You've taken ownership of key tasks and are a reliable point of contact for preparing and maintaining trial spaces. You're contributing to improving research procedures by developing new protocols/tools, sharing insights with the team, and demonstrating initiative in troubleshooting and refining how we work.
•  12 months in – You're making a clear, measurable impact—whether it's improving the way we manage trial set-up, enhancing data collection methods, or contributing to more efficient workflows. You're supporting external collaborations confidently, mentoring newer team members, and helping shape how we deliver best-in-class research across the Leaf Lab.

Interview Process 

We believe in a transparent and streamlined hiring process. Here's what you can expect. 

• Talent Screen – an initial video call with our Talent Manager.
• Hiring Manager Interview – a deep dive over Teams into your experience and potential fit for this role.
• On site Interview – meet the team, get a feel for our culture, and present a task. 
• Leadership Interview – a remote conversation with a leadership representative from your team.
• Offer – if successful, we'll make a verbal offer followed by the details in writing. 

What's in it for you? 

We believe in standing tall by offering opportunities that allow you to grow, thrive and be recognised for your contributions. 

• Be part of a pioneering business – join one of the fastest growing and most exciting teams in the vertical farming industry.
• Work with a team that's rooted in purpose – you will work with and learn from a friendly, smart, growing, and passionate team who care about each other and the business.
• Cultivate your own growth – a chance to develop yourself and make the role your own as the business and team builds, broadening your knowledge and capabilities to push you to the next level.
• Make an impact – Help drive change for good as part of a B-Corp certified company leading sustainable innovation.

Our goal is to change the world by growing better – and we want you to be a part of that journey.  

Package & Benefits 

•  Competitive base salary
•  Annual bonus based on company, team, and personal performance
•  25 days holiday + bank holidays
•  Group Income Protection
•  Private Health Insurance
•  Enhanced maternity & paternity leave
•  5% employer pension contribution
•  Mental health and coaching support (Free and confidential access to comprehensive mental healthcare and coaching through Agile)
•  Learning Allowance – Support for your professional development with a dedicated learning fund.
  •  Cycle to Work Scheme
  •  Paid volunteering days
  •  Referral Bonus – Get £500 for every successful hire you refer
  •  Anniversary Rewards – Special perks for your milestones
  •  Quarterly team socials and company events – Enjoy fun and engaging team bonding experiences

We believe in growing together, ensuring everyone in our team has the opportunity to thrive. 

Our team is the most valuable part of our business – our success is defined by the hard-working, brilliant and enthusiastic people we employ.  Our recruitment process and employment decisions are based on our business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. We provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, colour, age, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin or disability status. We don't tolerate discrimination or harassment based on any of these characteristics and we encourage all suitable applicants to apply for open positions.