Glasshouse Research Assistant (Permanent)

Dyson Farming is a family-owned business, with a vision to benefit future generations through a commitment to commercially viable and environmentally sustainable food production at scale. We strive to be industry leaders in efficient, high-technology agriculture, employing highly skilled, pioneering people and supported by research and development in an ever-closer partnership with our sister company, Dyson. We see the future of agriculture as an exciting opportunity to improve the nation’s food security, health, and economic growth.

Dyson Farming is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated fairly and with respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, religion, sex, or sexual orientation.

About the Role

Dyson Farming Research is looking for Seasonal Harvest Assistants to support the delivery of our glasshouse research programme during peak harvest periods. Working alongside the research team, you will help collect, process and record trial data across a diverse range of glasshouse experiments.

This is a hands-on role that supports critical harvesting and crop assessment activities, ensuring research trials are delivered accurately, consistently and on time. The role will involve supporting both routine trial operations and peak harvest periods, including occasional weekend working when required

Key Responsibilities

Coordinate the delivery of commercially funded and industry-funded research projects, including Innovate UK programmes.

Support the preparation and submission of funding applications, grant claims and project documentation.

Monitor project milestones, deliverables, budgets and reporting deadlines.

Liaise with project partners, funders, suppliers and internal stakeholders to ensure project requirements are met.

Maintain project records and provide progress updates to the Dyson Farming Research team.

Coordinate the ordering and delivery of products, services and equipment required for research trials.

Raise purchase orders, manage procurement activities and maintain purchasing records.

Coordinate incoming and outgoing invoices and support budget tracking and financial reporting.

Work closely with research teams and the finance department to ensure project expenditure is accurately managed and allocated.

Collate technical content from researchers and project teams for communication activities.

Support the production of newsletters, technical updates, reports, social media content and member communications.

Coordinate the collection of trial results, photographs and project updates for dissemination purposes.

Assist with the preparation of presentations, technical documents and event materials.

Coordinate research events, demonstrations, stakeholder visits and industry engagement activities.

Manage data entry systems and data collection processes for research trials.

Ensure trial data is entered accurately, consistently and in a timely manner.

Maintain databases and support data quality assurance procedures.

Maintain records of members, researchers, industry partners, suppliers and project stakeholders.

Organise meetings, maintain action logs and track follow-up actions.

Provide administrative support to the Head of Research and wider Dyson Farming Research team.

Requirements

Skills & Experience

· Strong attention to detail and ability to follow instructions accurately.

· Comfortable working outdoors in varying weather conditions.

· Physically capable of carrying out manual and repetitive tasks including lifting, bending and carrying.

· Reliable, self-motivated and able to work effectively as part of a team.

· Full driving licence preferred but not essential.

· No previous experience required as full training will be provided.

What We’re Looking For

· Enthusiastic about agriculture and practical research.

· Positive attitude and willingness to undertake physically demanding tasks.

· Strong work ethic with a commitment to accuracy and consistency.

· Adaptable and able to remain focused during busy harvest periods.

· Enjoys working in a practical environment as part of a supportive team.

Benefits

Financial

- Discretionary performance-related bonus
- Pension scheme with 6% employer contribution
- Life assurance

Equipment & working conditions

- PPE and workwear provided
- On-site welfare facilities, including rest areas and changing rooms
- 24 days annual leave each year (plus bank holidays)

Team & culture

- Annual summer and winter all-staff events
- Opportunities for learning and development

Practical extras

- Discounts on Dyson Farming products
- Dyson product discounts
- Retail discounts
- Free on-site parking
- Cycle2work scheme

Health and wellbeing

- Enhanced family leave
- Employee assistance programme
- Free flu jab
- Mental health ambassadors across all locations
- Free eye tests and glasses discounts
- Discounted gym membership