Field Research Scientist

ADAS, part of the RSK Group, is seeking a Field Research Scientist on a full-time Permanent basis. This predominantly practical, hands‑on role will be based out of our Gleadthorpe Office, Near Mansfield, Nottinghamshire.

Responsibilities

Working within the ADAS Sustainable Agricultural Systems Business, this practical field-based 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 work across a range of specialisms within the business developing a range skills and knowledge, contributing to a suite of predominantly agricultural and horticultural research projects specialising in crop Pathology, Entomology, Soils and Nutrients, and Weeds, embracing a "one team" ethos. The role, although field based, will also require some laboratory working, alongside office‑based duties. As part of the role, they 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 offsite field, and laboratory experiments, and office delivery at ADAS sites and at numerous commercial growers predominantly in the North and East Midlands of England, but also throughout the UK, dependant of business need.

Key Responsibilities Will Include

• Deliver practical research for a range of predominantly agricultural, but some horticultural crops, working predominantly in the disciplines of pathology, physiology, entomology, soils and nutrients, and weeds.
• Develop specialist technical expertise to deliver on-site trial work and implement applied research and knowledge exchange.
• Delivery of field/laboratory work and liaise with clients and colleagues to ensure on time delivery.
• Work towards managing 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 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 37.5 per week. Normal office hours are 7:30 a.m. to 4.00 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 will include:

• Assisting marking out of studies, application of treatments, collection and processing of samples, disease monitoring of plants, weed identification, spraying of chemicals onto trials, in‑field assessments and observations, preparation and processing of plant, soil and water sampling, harvesting of plots and collection, processing of data.
• Carrying out all trials related research activities, ensuring protocols are understood and all work is carried out in a consistent, scientifically valid, and reproducible fashion to enabling all trial activities are delivered to high levels of scientific credibility and defendable.
• Ensure that scientific research projects are planned, managed and lead to achieve stated objectives within the agreed timescale and budgets.
• The role requires 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

The role could be suitable for those from a variety of educational backgrounds, from school and further education, to those with higher level qualifications. The roles are ideal for those with a genuine interest in horticulture, agriculture, environment and the challenges facing these sectors at the current time, and looking to build a career in these areas.

• The suitable candidate should be able to demonstrate a strong work ethic and willingness to work.
• Previous experience is not required, as inhouse and external training will be provided to meet the requirements of the role.
• A full driving licence to drive manual vehicles in the UK is essential.
• 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

#Agriculture #EnvironmentalScience #Environment

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