Research Officer/Technologist

Overview
BD-MED is seeking a dedicated, hands-on Research Officer/Research Technologist to support the daily operations, collaborative research activities, and educational outreach efforts of our gardens and aquaponics farm. You will assist in the operation and maintenance of the gardens and aquaponics systems, including fish and crop care, environmental monitoring, and infrastructure upkeep. You will also play a key role in supporting interdisciplinary research objectives by working closely with internal teams and external partners to implement trials and collect field data. In addition to operational and research duties, you will take on administrative tasks, including procurement and record-keeping, and help deliver educational programming, workshops, and tours designed to engage students, visitors, and local communities. This is a field-focused, collaborative role that requires working outdoors for extended period. It is well suited for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and values sustainability.
Responsibilities
Aquaponics System Operation & Maintenance:
Comfortable with working in outdoor environment.
Monitor system parameters (pH, temp, Ammonia, Nitrates, etc) daily.
Maintain pumps, water tanks, filters, and grow beds.
Troubleshoot system issues.
Follow sanitation protocols.
Feed and observe fish health.
Seed, plant, prune, and harvest crops.
Harvest fishes.
Maintain planting, harvesting and yield records.
Assist with pest and disease control.
Hydroponics System Operation & Maintenance:
Monitor system parameters (pH, temp, etc) daily.
Maintain pumps, filters, water tanks and grow beds.
Troubleshoot system issues.
Follow sanitation protocols.
Inventory, Resource, and Waste Management:
Track and replenish inventory.
Optimize resource use.
Manage waste responsibly.
Support recycling and sustainability practices.
Public Engagement and Education:
Assist in hosting tours and workshops for staff, the public and other stakeholders.
Support the team in outreach activities, including vegetable distributions and fundraising events.
Support event logistics, including participant registrations, venue setup, and inventory records.
Develop educational materials and content for events, workshops, and outreach programmes.
Administrative Duties:
Assist in procurement of laboratory supplies, consumables, and equipment.
Liaise with vendors and internal teams to ensure timely delivery of goods and services.
Update and maintain procurement records systematically.
Track and file invoices, delivery notes (DNs), and related documents.
Prepare documents for internal checks and external audits.
Requirements
Qualifications:
- Bachelor Degree in one of the following (or a closely related) fields (for Research Officer) or Higher Nitec or Diploma (for Research Technologist):
Environmental Science
Sustainable Agriculture
Horticulture
Agricultural Engineering
Hands-on experience in aquaponics, hydroponics, aquaculture, or greenhouse operations.
Experience assisting in farm-based research or data collection.
Background in conducting educational tours or workshops is a plus.
Prior work in community agriculture or gardening programs, environmental nonprofits, or research institutions is advantageous.
A strong interest in sustainable agriculture practices and a passion for learning about aquaponics and integrated farming systems.
Comfortable working in outdoor environments and standing for long hours.
Ability to work well with a variety of teams, including research, operations, and educational staff, while also engaging with community members in public settings.
Problem Solving: Comfortable addressing challenges proactively and finding creative solutions when faced with system inefficiencies or unexpected changes.
Adaptable: Capable of managing a variety of tasks in a dynamic, evolving environment and adjusting to changing priorities, weather conditions, and research timelines.
Communication Skills: Ability to clearly communicate technical and complex information to a variety of audiences, including team members, community members, and visitors.
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