Graduate: Plant Pathology

AECI Plant Health is offering an exciting opportunity for a Graduate specialising in Plant Pathology / Mycology to join its Research & Development team in Somerset West. This role is designed to provide hands-on experience in a trial (tunnel and field) as well as laboratory environment, supporting key research initiatives while developing practical technical skills.

The Graduate will support the R&D team through:

Plant-microbe interaction knowledge development

• Assist with mycorrhizal cultivation research, progressing to independent work
• Assist with pot trials for fungal strain selection based on plant growth parameters, progressing to independent work
• Assist with fungal strain isolation, preparation, cultivation and preservation, either in laboratory or tunnel setting, progressing to independent work

• Culturing of fungal isolates under sterile, as well as pot and field conditions, progressing to independent work

Plant Pathology and Green Crop protection knowledge refinement

• Practicing of Koch's postulates techniques, progressing to independent work

• Assist with plant disease isolation and identification, pest monitoring, pest management, progressing to independent work

Laboratory Support & Preparation

• Assist with isolation and purification of fungi or bacteria, progressing to independent work
• Preparing standard and complex culture media under supervision, progressing to independent work
• Assisting with sterilisation and sanitation of seed, growth chambers, and materials, progressing to independent work
• Learning safe handling of chemical substances and laboratory materials
• Learning Laboratory housekeeping and organization

Research & Development Support

• Assisting on research projects (e.g. Mycorrhizal and Trichoderma studies, product development, compatibility testing)
• Supporting R&D field trials, including activities that may involve physical work

Tunnel, Trial  and General Support

• Assist in cultivation (watering, fertigation and pest management) of plants for trials, progressing to independent work
• Assist in Mycorrhizal Pot Trials, progressing to independent work
• Assisting with ad hoc tasks within the R&D function
• Maintaining accurate records and supporting good laboratory practices

What the Graduate Will Gain

• Practical, hands-on Pot-trial, laboratory and research experience
• Exposure to real-world R&D projects in a specialised industry
• Mentorship and structured on-the-job training
• Development of technical and scientific competencies

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• BSc or MSc in Plant Pathology, Agronomy, Microbiology, or related field

Other Requirements

• Reliable transport
• Willingness to work flexible hours or overtime when required

This graduate opportunity offers a valuable entry point into the field of Plant-microbe-interactions, Plant Pathology and Agricultural research. It is ideal for a motivated individual eager to gain practical experience and grow within a dynamic R&D environment.

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