Field Research Scientist

RSK ADAS Ltd, a part of the RSK Group Ltd, is looking to recruit aField Research Scientist to work on a full time, permanent basis. This predominantly practical, hands-on roles will be based out of ourBoxworth office, near Cambridge

Working within the ADAS Sustainable Agricultural Systems Business, the role will be working on scientific projects for clients, including Government, and some of the most progressive and successful UK and internationally based businesses, focusing on efficient food production and related environmental issues in a sustainable industry. The successful applicant will specialise in individual technical disciplines, whilst at the same time working across the full range of technical disciplines, including Crop Physiology, Weeds,  Soils and Nutrients, and Crop Pathology areas of the business developing skills and knowledge and contributing to a suite of research projects across both agriculture and horticulture, embracing a “one team” ethos.

Responsibilities:

Working within the ADAS Sustainable Agricultural Systems Business, this predominately field-based role, will focus on the delivery of scientific projects based from our Boxworth site.  Our clients include Government, and some of the most progressive and successful UK and internationally based businesses, focusing on crop protection and efficient food production.  The successful applicant will work across a range of disciplines in both arable and horticultural crops. The candidate will be expected to develop skills and knowledge across the whole team, embracing a “one team” ethos, contributing to delivery in soils and nutrients, plant pathology, plant molecular,  plant physiology, entomology and weed science projects. The role, although primarily based in field skills, will also require glasshouse, polytunnel, office-based and on occasions laboratory working and delivery management of relevant projects.  As part of the role, the candidate will establish excellent working relationships with colleagues, through strong communication during the delivery of work and interaction with clients.  To be considered for the Field Research Scientist role the successful applicant will need to demonstrate the ability or potential to manage field projects, whilst also having a positive attitude to deliver glasshouse and polytunnel-based projects. There will also be a requirement for occasional travel to field and other ADAS sites, including overnight stays. 

The successful applicant will be provided with the relevant level of training, depending on experience and current technical skills, to enable scientifically robust and credible delivery.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Deliver primarily field research, working predominantly in the discipline of crop physiology, weeds, soils and nutrients, and plant pathology, but also contributing to laboratory, molecular, and entomology projects.
• Work to protocols to deliver projects to a meticulous standard.
• Take responsibility for the smooth day to day running of ongoing field-based projects.
• Lead implementation of on-site field/glasshouse/polytunnel/field work and liaise with colleagues and clients to ensure on time delivery.
• Manage projects, ensuring key objectives and deadlines, are met, ensuring high levels of scientific credibility and client satisfaction are achieved.
• Develop a sound and effective working relationship with colleagues, collaborators, and the industry to grow the business.
• Support and mentor colleagues to ensure scientifically robust delivery.
• Handle collection, aggregation, and routine analysis of data.
• Ensure full compliance to Health, Safety and Quality business policies.

Normal hours of work are 40 per week.  Normal office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Monday to Friday.  Due to the seasonal nature of the work a flexible approach is needed, as there will be a requirement to work overtime (evenings and weekends) during busy periods to ensure scientific objectives are met, and delivery within suitable weather conditions are optimized.

 Duties and tasks of the role: -

• Use a range of field techniques to ensure a high level of credibility
• Deliver high quality work in a timely manner, following the information set out In protocols.
• Carry out field, glasshouse and laboratory trials. Follow trial procedures and instructions meticulously, with attention to detail to ensure protocols are adhered to and all assessments and data collection and recording are 100% accurate.
• Ensure that scientific research projects are planned, managed and lead to achieve stated objectives within the agreed timescale and budgets.
• Good communication skills with both team and lone working, alongside representing the wider ADAS Sustainable Agricultural Systems Business through positive interactions with growers and clients when at trial sites.
• Assist consultants with report writing, statistical analysis and technical note writing.
• Manage own time effectively and efficiently to maximise trial delivery.
• Contribute to collation of information and input to reports

Person specification:

• A “levels or higher in a relevant subject discipline and or ability to demonstrate an interest in agriculture and scientific research.
• A full driving licence to drive manual vehicles in the UK is essential.
• All candidates applying for positions with RSK Group must be eligible to work in the UK.
• A progressive attitude with flexibility and willingness to take on a wide range of challenges.
• Flexibility – to travel within the UK and overseas.

Salary and benefits:

• Pay commensurate with experience and technical knowledge.
• Contributory Pension Scheme.
• Life Assurance.
• A flexible benefits programme including the option to buy additional holidays and private health care.
• Regular training and career development.

RSK Group is an Equal Opportunities Employer

More detailed job description attached.

#Agriculture #EnvironmentalScience

RSK will not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies other than RSK PSL or Secondary agencies.