About Driscoll’s
Driscoll’s is the global market leader for fresh strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries. With more than 100 years of farming heritage and hundreds of independent growers around the world, Driscoll’s is passionate about growing fresh, beautiful and delicious berries. Our values of passion, humility, and trustworthiness have guided our mission to delight consumers around the world.
About the Role
You will be supporting the work of a busy plant tissue culture lab at Driscoll’s Genetics Ltd in Linton, Maidstone. Working in our fantastic new labs, you will need to be motivated as the work can be repetitive and routine based. The role will be on a temporary basis from mid July 2026 – 29 January2027 for 5 days per week.
Role’s main responsibilities
- Working in a laminar airflow hood using aseptic technique
- Carrying out plant tissue culture processes, including cutting and transferring sterile material
- Labelling vessels and tubes and keeping accurate records of transfers made.
- Regular inspection of plant tissue culture vessels to detect contamination.
Other duties may include:
- Making plant tissue culture media involving the use of scales, pH meter and autoclave
- Preparing and sterilising equipment and consumables for the day-to-day running of the lab
- Use of washer-disinfector for cleaning of tissue culture vessels
- Washing up lab equipment
- Maintaining a high level of hygiene in plant tissue culture rooms
- Maintaining organisation of stockroom
- Other activities as required, eg plant care
About you
- You will have the following skills and experience:
- Have excellent manual dexterity
- Have the ability and patience to do repetitive work for extended periods of time
- Be able to pay attention to detail
- Be comfortable sitting for long periods
- Work well both alone and with other people
- Be flexible and adaptable
- Confidence in basic numeracy skills
- Good time management skills
- Be able to travel to Driscoll’s rural location.
Any previous experience in lab work, plant tissue culture or sterile technique would be an advantage, but all training will be given.
Please note that this role entails long periods of sitting, carrying out repetitive dextrous work in a clean hygienic environment. PPE will need to be worn.
All applicants must have right to work in the UK.
The successful candidate will strictly follow Health and Safety procedures for working in a lab.
Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Pay: £13.00 per hour
Ability to commute/relocate:
- Maidstone ME17 4BA: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (preferred)
Experience:
- Laboratory: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving Licence (preferred)
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
