Job Title: Trials Manager
Location: Norwich Research Park, NR4 7UH
Employment Type: Full-Time or Part-Time (minimum 2 days/week), Permanent, with standard 6-month probation
Salary: £30,000 - £40,000 annually (based on experience) + pension, benefits, and generous share options
Application Deadline: Applications reviewed on a rolling basis, early submissions encouraged, deadline Monday 3rd November 2025.
Start Date: 1st January 2026
NO RECRUITERS FOR THIS POSITION
Company Overview
BugBiome is developing bioinsecticides derived from the crop microbiome. We isolate and characterise beneficial microbes, screening them for natural insecticidal properties. Our products harness the power of nature to protect crops from pests sustainably and effectively.
Role Summary
We are seeking a Trials Manager to lead the development and implementation of insecticide and biopesticide trials as BugBiome transitions from laboratory to field testing.
The successful candidate must have hands-on experience running insecticide or biopesticide trials, ideally complemented by a background in entomology or agronomy. This role will suit someone who enjoys managing internal and external field and greenhouse trials, working across partners and CROs, and helping translate R&D innovations into field-ready solutions.
This position can be full-time or part-time (minimum 2 days/week) and is based at the Norwich Research Park.
Key Responsibilities
Trial Design & Management:
* Lead the design, planning, and delivery of internal and external insecticide trials including greenhouse and field trials.
* Manage CRO partnerships and external trial sites in the UK, EU, and USA.
* Ensure trials meet scientific, operational, and regulatory standards.
Assay & Protocol Development: Scale greenhouse assays on new pest targets to BugBiome from lab to whole-plant and small-plot systems to evaluate microbial efficacy.
R&D Integration: Translate laboratory discoveries into practical pest control applications, managing collaboration with research partners such as John Innes Centre and Niab.
Data Collection & Analysis: Ensure robust data management, statistical analysis, and clear communication of results to internal and external stakeholders.
Team Leadership: Line manage junior staff (e.g. greenhouse interns or research assistants), ensuring adherence to protocols and fostering professional development.
Continuous Improvement: Identify and implement process improvements in insect rearing, assay design, and trial efficiency to accelerate product development.
Required Skills and Experience
Essential: Demonstrable experience designing, managing, and analysing insecticide or biopesticide trials.
Education: Degree (BSc/MSc) in Entomology, Crop Protection, Biological Sciences, or a related field.
Project Management: Strong track record of managing multiple research or field projects, ideally across sites or partners.
Data Analysis: Proficient in experimental design, statistical interpretation, and presentation of trial results.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to summarise technical outcomes clearly for diverse audiences.
Desirable
PhD or significant experience in Entomology, Agronomy, or related field.
Experience with microbial biopesticides or sustainable pest management.
BASIS qualification or equivalent practical certification in agronomy.
PA1, PA6 and/ or PA9 pesticide spraying qualifications
Understanding of regulatory requirements for pesticide trials or interest in learning.
Why BugBiome?
Impact: Work at the cutting edge of biological crop protection.
Facilities: Access to world-class labs and entomology facilities at John Innes Centre and greenhouse space at UEA.
Culture: Supportive, fast-paced startup environment with a diverse and motivated team.
Benefits:
* 25 days holiday + bank holidays
* Flexible working hours
* Pension scheme
* Private healthcare
* Share options
* Monthly team socials
Diversity Statement
BugBiome is an equal opportunity employer, committed to a fair, inclusive recruitment process. Let us know if you have any special requirements. Location: Norwich Research Park, UK (NR4 7UG).
Must have UK work authorization; unfortunately, we cannot sponsor visas.
Application Process
To apply, please email the following documents to alicia@bugbiome.com and chris@bugbiome.com with the subject line: "Application for Trials Manager Position"
1) Cover Letter: Summarise your suitability for the role and explain why you're excited to join BugBiome.
2) CV: A maximum of 2 pages outlining your relevant experience and education.
3) Project Summary: A 1-page document describing a pesticide trial you've designed, led or contributed to. Include the project goal, approach taken and key outcomes or lessons learned.
NO RECRUITERS