Careers and opportunities

What to expect from a career at the James Hutton Institute?

Vision, mission and values

Our vision

To be international leaders in science on land, crops, natural resources and the wider natural environment, working with communities to provide transformative solutions to global challenges in a way that supports the wellbeing of future generations.

Our purpose

Securing the future through excellent science.

Our values and ethos

We bring about our Vision and achieve our Mission we are guided by our Values in everything we do:

  • We respect and value our people and the people we engage with.
  • We want to make a difference.
  • We strive to be excellent in everything we do.
  • We foster creativity and innovation.
  • We lead by example.
Staff member at The James Hutton Institute
All active vacancies can be found here >

The James Hutton Institute is a well-respected and globally recognised research organisation delivering innovative and transformative science for sustainable management of land, crop and natural resources.

Learn about our over-arching vision and strategy here

Our benefits include:

  • Generous holiday entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with carry over possible and guaranteed time-off for Christmas.
  • Employer Contribution of 15% in a personal pension plan and employee contribution flexibility.
  • Self-managed hours and flexible working.
  • A confidential Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
  • Cycle to work scheme.
  • James Hutton Group Life Scheme.
  • iHasco eLearning.
  • Apple and Microsoft discount.
  • Free onsite parking.
  • On site canteen facilities.
  • Social club.
  • Credit union.
  • Gym membership discounts.
Career at the Hutton

Living in Aberdeen/Dundee

The James Hutton Institute’s main offices and laboratories are based in Craigiebuckler, Aberdeen and Invergowrie, on the outskirts of Dundee.

Discover more about starting a career in these vibrant Scottish cities.

A career in Aberdeen

Known as the “Granite City”, Aberdeen has a plethora of historical landmarks, breathtaking architectural designs and a diverse population that contributes to the city’s lively and cheerful atmosphere. With a population of about 215,000, it is the third largest city in Scotland.

Aberdeen Beach is well-known for its golden sands and picturesque promenade and is a wonderful place for leisurely strolls or water sports. The beach is also home to Codonas Amusement Park.

Royal Deeside can be found in Aberdeenshire, west of Aberdeen. It is home to some Scotland’s most breathtaking countryside and overlaps the Cairngorms National Park, Britain’s largest national park, located within the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

A variety of well-known stores and designer boutiques can be found on Union Street and within various indoor shopping centres. An international street market is held periodically throughout the year. The council, event partners and others organise hundreds of local events annually. A wide range of local restaurants and activities ensure that locals have access to a varied range of pursuits.

Travel

The city is well served with regular bus routes operated by First Bus, while Stagecoach serves the Aberdeenshire area.

Options for travelling further afield include Megabus, which offers services to destinations including Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, and ScotRail, which offers train services to Inverness as well as to Edinburgh and Glasgow, both via Dundee.

The city also has an airport with regular services to London, Dublin, Manchester, Southampton and locations in Europe.

To help find your way around during the first few weeks, you can find more information on the VisitScotland website.

Aberdeen street view
Aberdeen travel
Dundee water front
Dundee travel

A career in Dundee

The James Hutton Institute is situated in the village of Invergowrie on the western outskirts of Dundee. It also has a site a few miles to the north at Balruddery Farm by Fowlis.

Dundee is Scotland’s fourth largest city and has one of the largest life science and research communities outside of Cambridge and Oxford. With two universities, a teaching hospital and the Wellcome Trust Biocentre, as well as the James Hutton Institute, the city has a strong science base.

Dundee, also referred to as the “City of Discovery”, is rich in art creativity and marine history. Dundee is home to numerous award-winning cultural sites, pubs, eateries, stores and cafes.

Some of Scotland’s most breathtaking and varied landscapes are easily accessible from Dundee with only a short drive.

Proud to be the only UK city to be named a City of Design by UNESCO, Dundee is also home to the V&A Dundee, RSS Discovery, McManus Galleries, Dennis the Menace and Desperate Dan. Dundee has a vibrant shopping centre with many mainstream high street retailers plus a good selection of independent traders, particularly in the west end and Broughty Ferry.

Travel

Dundee is around one hour’s drive from Edinburgh, Glasgow and Aberdeen. The city is well served with regular bus routes operated by Xplore Dundee, and Stagecoach operates routes to destinations in East Scotland. Visit Dundee Travel Information for more details.

Options for travelling further afield include Megabus, which offers services to destinations including Edinburgh, Glasgow and London, and ScotRail, which offers train services to Inverness as well as to Edinburgh and Glasgow. See the National Rail website for further information.

To help find your way around during the first few weeks, you can find more information on the VisitScotland website.