We are currently recruiting for a
Crop Protection Scientist
in the Cereals & Oilseeds sector on a fixed-term basis until
August 2026.
This role works on a hybrid basis, two/three days in our HQ in Coventry and the remainder working remotely from home.
Responsible for direct management of the research programme within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for cereals and oilseeds, this role includes activities relating to the control of pests, weeds, and diseases, from inception to report by liaison with levy payers and other key stakeholders. It also supports the strategic lead for the sector. We are therefore looking for specific technical knowledge in IPM, especially in the areas of disease and weed control, accompanied by postgraduate research experience or expertise.
At the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), we inspire our farmers, growers and industry to succeed in a rapidly changing world. Working at AHDB, you won't just be helping our farmers produce the food we eat and look after our environment; you will be helping to shape the future of food production and leaving a legacy for the next generation.
Responsibilities
* Be a UK authority and provide technical support to the senior crop protection scientists and head of crop protection on IPM (especially in the areas of weed and disease control) by keeping up to date with the latest developments and related research areas, nationally and internationally
* Play a significant role in the delivery and development of projects, coordinating stakeholders, organising and chairing meetings with relevant working groups, and assisting with the procurement of related activities
* Work closely with colleagues and external partners to process, analyse, and interpret relevant data, delivering results to deadlines while actively seeking to improve processes
* Liaise with stakeholders to understand challenges in IPM facing UK cereal and oilseed production and ensure that industry needs are identified and evaluated within the context of the AHDB Cereal & Oilseeds research strategy
* Liaise with a wide range of external stakeholders, including levy payers, agronomist associations, government, funding bodies, and national and international research organisations
* Promote AHDB Cereal & Oilseeds funded research and disseminate key messages and findings of research projects, through attendance at events, technical presentations and written publications, and responding to technical email and telephone enquiries
Essential Criteria
* Postgraduate research experience or expertise within arable/cereals and oilseeds
* An understanding of the development and management of research projects and programmes
* Well-developed written and verbal communication skills
* Excellent project management skills
* Excellent IT skills, especially in Excel and the use of databases
* High level of experience in analysing and interpreting data sets
* A full, valid UK driving licence and the flexibility to travel when required are desirable
The Benefits
We believe in rewarding our people for their hard work, so we have a great mix of benefits and opportunities to give you the recognition you deserve:
* 35 hours per week, to include hybrid working
* 33 days of annual leave plus one privilege day (inclusive of bank holidays) pro rata
* Life assurance cover (4x salary)
* A market-leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General
* Enhanced pay of 20 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, subject to length of service
* Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
* Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan
* Recognition awards throughout the year
* Access to the Government's tax-free childcare scheme
* Reward Gateway membership - this gives you a huge number of online discounts and savings
Apply now, or call if you require any further information.
Please note that we reserve the right to close the vacancy early should we receive a significant number of suitable applications.
At AHDB, we are committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, to include flexible working opportunities. This applies to both our workforce and the practices we follow.
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