WHAT’S THE JOB? FIELD TRIALS (FIELD BIOLOGIST)
WHO’S THE EMPLOYER? A leading global independent research company, providing product development and regulatory services to the agricultural, biotechnology and food industries as well as to government bodies.
WHAT’S THE INDUSTRY? Agronomy/Plant Science
HOW WILL I BE REWARDED? Competitive industry salary and career progression (could lead to work in other countries/regions)
WHAT’S THE TERRITORY? Suffolk with regular travel to offsite trial locations
TELL ME MORE ABOUT THE ROLE? A vacancy has arisen within the UK field team, based in East Anglia, for a Field Biologist to assist the the UK Field Testing Manager with the execution and reporting of their bio-efficacy and regulatory field trials programme.
- To assist the UK Field Testing Manager (FTM) with the execution and timely delivery of the UK field trials programme.
- To independently plan, execute and report an assigned individual trials program.
- Directly responsible for 30-50 field trials per year (GEP bio efficacy trials; only supporting GLP studies initially).
- To develop expertise (via “on the job” training) in conducting GLP residue trials by supporting the current Principal Field Investigators (PFIs) with the aim of fulfilling a PFI role within 1-2 years.
- To develop specialist knowledge in a specific subject/technical area and provide guidance and training to other staff in this topic.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities:
- Develops a detailed action plan for their own trials program, executes the trials successfully to meet the customer’s requirements/objectives and reporting deadlines following local official GEP and GLP guidelines (and company Standard Operating Procedures - SOPs).
- Consults with the FTM or Senior Field Biologist (SFB) to define, agree and understand the technical requirements of the trials allocated to them.
- Support the FTM and SFB and working alongside the whole UK Field team, ensure the whole UK field trials program is successful.
- Plans and liaises with the Site Manager/farmers and suppliers for the correct and timely provision of land/crop, chemicals/seeds and other recourses (e.g. irrigation etc) to ensure the success of the trials.
- Capture, summarize and interpret individual trial data (accurately and consistently) for reporting to customers/Project Managers (PMs)/GAMs as well as providing the required info (via regularly updated trial schedules) to the administration team to keep INSITE (online company database) up-dated throughout the season.
- Maintain an up to-date technical awareness of agricultural practice and products. Provides training and advice on any specialist area of expertise acquired to other staff/colleagues.
- Ensure that all personal work is conducted to the required legal and company safety standards, and strictly conforms to official GLP and GEP guidelines (as appropriate).
- Supervise, train and motivate assistant(s)/temp staff, so that they execute their jobs safely, accurately and efficiently.
- Is a key contact for customers, both internally and externally and works with the FTM to establish & maintain client relationships to meet their expectations and secure future sales.
Qualifications/Education/Experience/Soft Skills requirements:
- Ideally BSc or equivalent qualification level in Agriculture or Biological/Life Science.
- Ideally at least 3-5 year’s field trial experience managing an individual trials program following relevant GEP EPPO guidelines.
- Experience of conducting trials under GLP (Good Laboratory Practice) an advantage but not essential.
- NPTC PA1 and PA6 qualifications (Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides) required. PA2 and PA11 desirable but not essential (training and tests will be provided).
- Good written and verbal English skills.
- Good PC skills.
- Good communication, time management and problem-solving skills
- Self-driven with an ability to work effectively alone as well as within a team.
- Proactive and “Can do” attitude.
- Happy to work in an outdoor field environment, sometimes under challenging weather conditions.
WHAT SHOULD I DO NOW? If you are motivated with a passion for the biotechnology and agricultural sector, we would love to hear from you! Send us a copy of your latest CV (in complete confidence), and a little bit about yourself directly to – [email protected]