Position: Utilities Shift Operative at Discovery Park
Location: Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent 
Role: Permanent

The closing date for applications of this role is Sunday 14^th September 2025. All applications will be reviewed, shortlisted, and successful applicants will be contacted for interview week commencing 15^th September 2025.

Discovery Park is a thriving life science community, a hub for visionary entrepreneurs and leaders, and the ideal environment for businesses to start, scale, and succeed. Our motto, “Space to discover, freedom to grow,” encapsulates the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines our unique ecosystem.

Discovery Park Management Ltd plays a pivotal role in nurturing this vibrant community. We are the backbone that supports all aspects of the park, from driving the parks growth or maintaining its buildings and grounds to its roads and infrastructure. Our team of specialists possesses the expertise to create and adapt almost any of our structures, ensuring that our tenants have the facilities they need to thrive.

In addition to facility support, we also provide essential utilities to all the buildings within the park. Whether it’s power, steam, gas, demineralised water, or waste management through our Waste Water Treatment Facility, we have everything covered. Our commitment to service extends beyond utilities, as we offer valuable amenities such as front-of-house services, security, cleaning and conferencing facilities, with welcoming reception teams. Supporting all of which are our vital back-office support functions.

At the heart of Discovery Park Management Ltd are our core values. These values guide every aspect of our operations, from how we engage with our customers, stakeholders, and each other to the business we aspire to be.

Our values foster a culture centred on quality and continuous improvement. We are dedicated to Inspirational Leadership and being People Focused, principles that enable us to achieve Operational Excellence and create a Community Spirit.

We are deeply committed to continuous improvement and driving efficiencies in how we operate. We recognise that innovation and optimisation are fundamental to our success in meeting the evolving needs of our stakeholders and achieving our strategic objectives.

Our diverse workforce takes on the responsibility of delivering our plans and overseeing day-to-day operations. We recognise the importance of ensuring that our people are not only engaged and supported but also provided with opportunities for development and safe deployment within the business. This commitment allows us to realise the park’s vision effectively and sustainably.

 

Main Purposes of the Job

The Utilities Shift Operator is responsible for ensuring the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of designated utilities systems and equipment. This role involves continuous monitoring, control, and maintenance of essential infrastructure to deliver a consistent and secure utilities supply across the site, contributing to operational excellence and customer satisfaction.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Safely operate, monitor and control utilities plant and equipment to maintain a safe and reliable supply across the site. This includes steam generation and distribution, cooling towers, chillers, compressed air, LTHW generation & distribution, fire protection systems, effluent collection & treatment (WWTF), and a range of building services.
• Carry out routine checks, planned maintenance tasks and first-line fault finding to provide a high level of building services including heating and ventilation systems, refrigeration, steam, condensate, water systems and stability fridge/freezers.
• Carry out designated corrective and preventive maintenance tasks on shift to support the overall maintenance strategy, for example planned routines such as lubrication, filter changing, some RBM related tasks, and unplanned tasks such as working on pumps, belts, drives etc.
• Optimise plant operating conditions to maximise operational efficiency and always ensure continuity of utilities services to the site.
• Act as first responder to alarms from critical buildings and WWTF operations following escalation procedures within agreed SLA’s and safe operating procedures to maintain appropriate standards of health, safety and environmental compliance.
• Ensure that requests from customer groups for Utilities support are responded to in an effective manner in line with agreed SLA’s.
• Contribute to the identification and implementation of minor improvement projects to increase operational efficiency.
• Identify and report operational and maintenance problems and provide technical input and troubleshooting to effectively resolve problems.
• Work flexibly with the maintenance & WWTF team to plan, schedule and continuously deliver reliable services across the site.

Additional Duties:
As required by the Business and/or directed by Management.

 

About Your Skills & Experience

 

Essential

Technical Skills

• Proven practical and working knowledge of troubleshooting, maintenance, inspection, diagnosis, and repair of utilities systems, including but not limited to steam generation and distribution, cooling towers, compressed air systems, and fire main equipment.
• Familiarity with HSE standards and compliance requirements relevant to utilities operations.

Behavioural Competences

• Effective team player with the ability to work independently and take initiative as required.
• Demonstrated ability to plan and prioritise tasks to ensure timely delivery of operational goals.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to analyse issues, identify solutions, and implement them effectively.
• High level of focus on delivery and performance, ensuring operational and safety standards are consistently met.

Flexibility

• Willingness and ability to work shifts covering 24 hours per day, 365 days per year, as part of a rotating schedule.
• Adaptable to changing operational demands, including response and out-of-hours support for operations.

Communication Skills

• Ability to effectively communicate and follow oral and written instructions.
• Capable of liaising with internal and external stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and resolution of issues.

Experience

• Significant experience in an operations role, ideally within the utilities, power generation, or facilities management sectors.

Personal Attributes

• Strong commitment to customer service with a flexible and proactive approach to meeting operational requirements.
• Drive for results with a consistent focus on achieving high standards.
• Willingness to contribute to a culture of continuous improvement by supporting initiatives to enhance performance and cost-effectiveness.

Driving

A full, current, clean manual driving licence.

 

Desirable

• Advanced troubleshooting skills for utilities systems such as boilers, chillers, pumps, and drives.
• Knowledge of steam and chilled water systems and their associated concepts.
• A recognised relevant engineering qualification in engineering.
• Certifications such as C&G or NVQ 3 in Boiler Operations/Electrical Generation.

 

Remuneration and Benefits

Annual Salary: £37,808.33

Annual shift allowance: £6,288.60 (12.5% of the basic annual salary)

Our benefits include*:

• 10 days/8 shifts company sick pay
• 22 shifts annual leave (incorporated into shift rota)
• Discount and recognition platform
• On-site gym
• 10% discount at our onsite catering
• Free onsite parking
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

 

*Benefits listed are based on working full-time and are subject to change.

 

The Job Description is not intended to be all inclusive. The job holder may be required to perform other related duties to meet the on-going needs of the Company

 

To apply, please send your CV humanresources@discovery-park.co.uk

 

Position: Building Maintenance Technician at Discovery Park
Location: Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent 
Role: Permanent

The closing date for applications of this role is Sunday 21^st September 2025. All applications will be reviewed and shortlisted week commencing 22^nd September 2025, and successful applicants will be contacted for Interview week commencing 29^th September 2025.

At Discovery Park, we’re more than just a science park—we’re a thriving hub of life science and technology innovation. Our mission is to create the ideal environment for businesses to start, scale, and succeed. With a world-class infrastructure and a collaborative ecosystem, we provide “Space to discover, freedom to grow.”

We are deeply committed to continuous improvement and driving efficiencies in how we operate. We recognise that innovation and optimisation are fundamental to our success in meeting the evolving needs of our stakeholders and achieving our strategic objectives.

Our diverse workforce takes on the responsibility of delivering our plans and overseeing day-to-day operations. We recognise the importance of ensuring that our people are not only engaged and supported but also provided with opportunities for development and safe deployment within the business. This commitment allows us to realise the park’s vision effectively and sustainably.

As we continue to expand our impact, operational excellence is key to delivering a safe, efficient, and inspiring place to work. The Building Maintenance Technician plays a critical role in realising this ambition.

 

Main Purposes of the Job

As part of the Facilities and Site services you will provide expertise in building fabrication works to conduct all elements of Building Fabrication, either directly or through support of our selected contractors and internal teams.

Dedicated to maintaining high quality site appearances, you will bring a fine eye for detail to provide general painting and decorating within tenant demises and common areas of the buildings, support site services and the business development team in office refurbishments, assist low level plumbing tasks across our multi let facilities and undertake general maintenance tasks.

You will be personally accountable for ensuring all work is carried out in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Preparing and maintaining offices including but not limited to painting, decorating, floor box moves, carpet laying, equipment and furniture moving and/or installation.
• Building fabrication across communal areas, conference and meeting rooms, internal offices and lab spaces.
• Conducting lock changes, door adjustments and repairs, furniture moves, partitioning set ups and carpet replacements.
• Installations including but not limited to shelves, whiteboards, TV’s and blinds.
• Assisting with low level plumbing tasks across multi let facilities.
• Promptly and mandatorily reporting all accidents, injuries and unsafe working conditions or practices.
• Scoping and quoting works for tenants as required.

Additional Duties:
As required by the Business and/or directed by Management.

 

About Your Skills & Experience

Essential

• Competent craftsperson
• Proven skills in building fabrication and general maintenance
• Ability to problem solve and work to strict deadlines
• Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, able to interact and build relationships with people across all levels of the business
• Be motivated and able to work on your own initiative with minimum supervision.
• Ability to organise resources to accomplish tasks and work collaboratively across functions
• Ability to scope and quote works accurately
• IT Literate as required for operational processes and procedures such as timesheets, job tickets and quotations.
• Demonstrable commitment to our Core Values.

 

Desirable

• Basic plumbing skills
• Apprenticeship trained
• At least 5 years’ experience within a building fabrication role

 

Remuneration and Benefits

Annual Salary: £27,840.90

Our benefits include*:
• 10 days/8 shifts company sick pay
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Discount and recognition platform
• On-site gym
• 10% discount at our onsite catering
• Free onsite parking
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Enhanced overtime rate

*Benefits listed are based on working full-time and are subject to change.

 

The Job Description is not intended to be all inclusive. The job holder may be required to perform other related duties to meet the on-going needs of the Company

 

To apply, please send your CV humanresources@discovery-park.co.uk

Position:         Analytical Scientist at Asymchem

Location:         On-site at Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent 

Job Type:         Full time

 

Apply here

Job Title:         Structure Elucidation Senior Scientist at Asymchem

Location:           On-site at Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent

Job Type:         Full-time

 

Company overview

Founded in 1999, Asymchem has grown into a leading global integrated Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), renowned for its innovative solutions and commitment to excellence. Our mission is to drive smarter, greener, and more cost-effective manufacturing to support pharmaceutical and biotech research and commercialization. Our research laboratories and small molecule API pilot plant at Discovery Park, Sandwich, UK, is our flagship site for European R&D and we are looking to recruit into key roles. This is a fantastic opportunity to join an innovative, collaborative, dynamic team of scientists and help shape our operations and the future growth of our organisation.

What we offer

We offer competitive compensation, flexible benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, opportunities to buy or sell holidays, as well as a good work-life balance. Enjoy a fun and rewarding career with daily opportunities to collaborate with highly talented scientists. Additionally, there will be myriad opportunities to learn new technical and interpersonal skills, develop existing strengths, coach and mentor others, while pursuing our company’s mission.

Position summary

Analytical Research and Development at Asymchem Ltd UK, is seeking an experienced and passionate Structure Elucidation Senior Scientistto join our dynamic, interdisciplinary research team in Sandwich, Kent. Working within our state-of-the-art laboratories, you will play a key role in identifying and characterizing small molecules and complex structures for our development projects.

At Asymchem you will have the opportunity to

• Work both independently and in cross-functional project teams to solve complex analytical and synthetic chemistry problems.
• Work collaboratively with peers to elucidate structures of novel compounds, degradants, impurities and synthetic intermediates using advanced spectroscopic, e.g. NMR (1D, 2D, quantitative), MS (HRMS, MS/MS), and chromatographic techniques.
• Independently design, conduct and interpret advanced NMR experiments (e.g., COSY, HSQC, HMBC, NOESY).
• Demonstrate your comprehensive knowledge and experience of operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting NMR instrumentation and software.
• Demonstrate your experience of operating, maintaining and troubleshooting high-end mass spectrometers and software from different vendors such as Thermo and Agilent.
• Interpret complex spectral data and integrate findings from multiple analytical methods. Provide expert analysis for impurity profiling and degradation product characterization.
• Be highly proficient with structure elucidation software (e.g., MestReNova, ACD/Labs, Bruker TopSpin, MassHunter, FreeStyle).
• Lead authoring of detailed technical reports and a reviewer of reports and data of your peers.
• Interact effectively with team members and partner groups, including verbal presentations, reasoned review of data and preparation of technical reports.
• Effectively communicate progress, plans, requirements and risks to scientists, managers, stakeholders and clients informally and through written reports, emails and presentations.

Qualifications, skills and experience

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences (or a related discipline) with significant relevant industrial experience in area of structure elucidation OR a PhD in Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Pharmaceutical Sciences (or a related discipline) with some relevant industrial experience in the field of structure elucidation is essential.
• Excellent troubleshooting skills and ability to develop and implement complex analytical solutions to solve complex chemistry problems is essential.
• A strong desire to develop technical skills and a high learning agility with an ability to apply learning from prior experience to new situations and problems is essential.
• The ability to communicate effectively both in verbal and written forms and to take a collaborative approach to working in a team environment is essential.
• Comfortable working as part of diverse multi-disciplinary, cross-functional teams is essential.
• A good knowledge of small molecule pharmaceutical development and analytical science, with the ability to apply scientific technical skills and knowledge to projects independently and proactively is highly desirable.
• Knowledge in the use of diverse computational, modelling and digital tools is desirable.

Apply here

Job Title:         Lead Agronomy Technician at GrowUp Farms

Location:          On-site – Sandwich, Kent

Job Type:         Full-time

 

Company overview

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 an ERP Administrator to join us and help drive this mission forward.

The Lead Agronomy Technician serves as the operational team lead within the agronomy department, responsible for coordinating and overseeing the day-to-day execution of tasks across crop maintenance, irrigation/fertilisation systems, stock handling, and monitoring platforms. Acting as the key link between the Agronomy Manager and the technician/apprentice team, this role requires strong organisational skills, record keeping capabilities and a data-led mindset to solving problems.

Location: This role will be based in Sandwich, Kent
Hours: Mon-Fri 0700-1600, with some flexibility during the week and working some weekends

You’ll work closely with our operations, technical, production, and finance teams, playing a key role in ensuring our ERP platform supports our processes with accuracy and traceability. As part of this role, you’ll be expected to stand tall—delivering reliable data and systems support that underpins our business performance.

Who you’ll be working with
You’ll be part of a cross-functional team of passionate growers, engineers, and supply chain professionals, working alongside operations managers, technical leads, and commercial teams to oversee the execution of tasks across crop maintenance, irrigation/fertilisation systems
We believe in growing together, so you’ll be supported to develop your strong organisational skills and data-led mindset.

What you’ll be doing

• Team Coordination & Supervision  (30%) – Plan and delegate daily and weekly tasks to technicians and apprentices in line with farm schedules and crop cycles. Provide guidance and first-line supervision to ensure tasks are completed accurately, on time, and to standard. Support onboarding and on-the-job training of apprentices and new technicians. Act as the go-to person for resolving routine questions and operational issues from the team.
• Irrigation & Fertilisation systems (30%) – Lead or oversee checks on irrigation and nutrient delivery systems; ensure functionality, accuracy, and timely maintenance. Support calibration of dosing systems and setting of schedules. Respond to faults and escalate technical issues to the Agronomy Manager or maintenance team where needed.
• Crop Monitoring & System Adjustments    (30%) – Oversee routine crop walking, checking for signs of stress, pests, disease, and growth irregularities. Monitor environmental data and system platforms; apply agreed setpoint changes when needed or instructed. Record observations and report significant findings to the Agronomy Manager.
• Stock & Resource Management  (5%) – Coordinate stocktakes of seeds, fertilisers, and other agronomic materials; ensure accurate records. Support ordering and replenishment processes in line with schedules and usage trends. Maintain good organisation and cleanliness of agronomy storage and work areas.
• Quality, Compliance & Safety Uphold and reinforce farm protocols on hygiene, health and safety, and crop quality (5%)-  Ensure that team members follow standard operating procedures (SOPs). Contribute to internal audits and quality assurance checks as required.

Throughout your work, you’ll be encouraged to think big, embracing system improvements and simplifying processes to enhance how we work.

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, purpose-driven environment.
Must have skills:

• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Hands-on, practical mindset with attention to detail.
• Ability to lead by example and communicate clearly with team members.
• Competent with basic digital tools and farm monitoring platforms.
• Good record-keeping and reporting habits.
• High level of reliability, initiative, and work ethic.

Nice to have skills:

• 4+ years’ experience in a vertical farm or commercial horticultural setting, in an agronomy or crop management role
• In-depth understanding of irrigation and nutrient delivery systems.
• Familiarity with crop monitoring practices and common agronomic challenges.
• Prior team leadership experience is desirable

What success looks like in this role

• 🌱 3 months in – You’ve rooted yourself in our growing system, built relationships across key teams, and are confidently managing daily ERP tasks.
• 🌿 6 months in – You’ve identified and improved key processes, supported multiple departments, and become the go-to for growing queries.
• 🌳 12 months in – You’ve driven measurable improvements in growing processes, helped build the agronomy team and forged a great relationship with 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 role fit.
• On-site Interview – Meet the team, explore our site, and complete a practical task.
• Leadership Interview – A final conversation with a member of our senior team.
• Offer – If successful, we’ll make a verbal offer, followed by a written one.

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 – Collaborate with people who care deeply about our mission and each other.
• Cultivate your own growth – Develop your career with learning opportunities and hands-on experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Make an impact – Help drive change for good as part of a B-Corp certified company leading sustainable innovation.
• Flexibility – We work with everyone to ensure they have the balance they need to do their best work.
• Hybrid working – If you’re near our Sandwich site, we’d love for you to spend at least two days a week in the office. Travel to other sites may be required and is reimbursed.

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 via Agile
• 💼 Learning Allowance – A dedicated fund for your professional development
• 🚲 Cycle to Work Scheme
• 🎗 Paid volunteering days
• 🎉 Referral Bonus – Get £500 for every successful hire you refer!
• 🎁 Anniversary Rewards – Celebrate your milestones with us!
• 🍹 Quarterly socials & company events – Because great food (and ideas) are best shared in person!

We believe in growing together, ensuring everyone in our team has the opportunity to thrive.  This role offers a progression route into more senior leadership within agronomy or operations, depending on aptitude and business growth. The Lead Agronomy Technician will be encouraged to grow skills in planning, data use, and technical systems.

Equal Opportunity
Our team is the most valuable part of our business – our success is defined by the brilliant and enthusiastic people we employ. We’re committed to equal employment opportunities and providing a workplace free from discrimination or harassment. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds to join our mission.

Apply here

Position: MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships (2 Positions): AI & Experimental — Precision Delivery to Lung Tumours – RS&RS
Location: Discovery Park, Sandwich, Kent 
Role: Permanent

About us

At RS & RS Scientific we are building precision delivery solutions to concentrate therapeutics at lung-tumour sites while minimizing off-target exposure.

 

Position A — AI for Precision Lung-Tumour Delivery

Build a method-agnostic, data-driven decision engine for precision delivery in lung cancer. You’ll integrate multi-source evidence (omics, imaging, physico-chemical descriptors, prior art) to rank delivery strategies, forecast on- vs off-target exposure, and provide clear, testable recommendations that de-risk translation.

Ideal profile: PhD in AI/ML, computational biology, bioinformatics, biomedical data science, or related field (by the funder deadline); ≤8 years research experience (MSCA rule). Strong Python/R, multi-modal modelling, and scientific writing.

 

Position B — Experimental Precision Lung-Tumour Delivery

Design and validate non-viral, translatable precision-to-lung-tumour systems with rigorous in-vitro evaluation and specifications ready for the next stage. Emphasis on formulation/surface engineering, fit-for-purpose co-cultures & shear-aware assays, and a concise translation dossier (SOPs, stability, CQAs).

Ideal profile: PhD in pharmaceutics, drug delivery, bioengineering, molecular biology, materials

Science or related field (by the funder deadline); ≤8 years research experience (MSCA rule). Hands-on formulation + cell assays; SOP writing; comfortable using core/CRO analytics.

 

MSCA essentials

• Internal EOI deadline: 1 September 2025.
• Funder deadline: 10 September 2025, 17:00 (Brussels time).
• PhD requirement: You must hold a PhD or have successfully defended your thesis by 10 September 2025 (formal award can follow).
• Mobility rule: Not resident/working in the UK >12 months in the 36 months before the call deadline.
• We will co-develop the full proposal and provide strong industry supervision.

 

How to apply for EOI stage

Email (i) CV, (ii) 1-page concept note (your vision for experimental precision lung-tumour delivery), (iii) brief MSCA-eligibility statement, (iv) two referees to roghaiyeh.safari@rsrsscientific.com

Email subject:

• “MSCA PF EOI — Position A (AI, Lung Tumour Delivery)” or
• “MSCA PF EOI — Position B (Experimental, Lung Tumour Delivery)”

 

Shortlisted candidates will join an NDA-covered scoping call.