Field Research Scientist

RSK ADAS Ltd, a part of the RSK Group Ltd, is looking to recruit a number of Field Research Scientists to work on a full time, permanent basis. These predominantly practical, hands-on roles will be based out of our Boxworth office, near Cambridge.

Working within the ADAS Sustainable Agricultural Systems Business, these roles 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 applicants 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 horticultural and arable 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 roles 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.

About Us

ADAS is the UK's largest independent environmental and agricultural consultancy. Our goal as a company is two-fold: secure British food and enhance the environment. Established over 75 years ago and part of RSK Group since 2016, we offer high-quality, research-based tailored solutions for a wide-ranging client base. From working with small and medium-sized landowners to helping shape government policy with the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), we are adept at collecting and analysing data and creating bespoke strategies to achieve the best outcome for our client's unique needs. We are a trusted brand when it comes to managing the countryside: we do more than simply tick checkboxes; we will formulate a strategy that benefits the landowner and nature - our approach is fluid and changes according to requirements.

As well as agricultural research and consultancy, ADAS provides ecology, arboriculture, archaeology, planning, and landscape services to a growing base of clients working across multiple sectors. Our technical specialists have supported both local and nationally significant utility, transport, infrastructure, government and development projects. Some of our client relationships span over 40 years. We evolve and innovate with our clients, thereby ensuring that we provide a practical, reliable, and responsive service.

ADAS is part of the RSK Group, a leading integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services business providing dynamic, multidisciplinary services to a wide range of sectors. RSK was founded in 1989 and has grown considerably since then.

At RSK, we operate as a group of businesses that work together seamlessly, aiming for growth through diversification. Our strategy helps us build a strong and resilient business, capable of weathering external challenges, while also providing greater value to our clients and more opportunities for our employees.

Since the beginning, our philosophy has remained the same: employ, develop and reward talented individuals. People are crucial to our company, and we recognise that our success hinges on our colleagues' growth. We're committed to preserving RSK's people-first culture, promoting innovation, and fostering a supportive and caring environment for collaboration. At RSK, we want you to be part of our successes and help you reach your career aspirations. We take pride in offering employees fulfilling and challenging careers by promoting ongoing growth and empowering individuals to excel.

We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace that welcomes individuals from all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. We firmly believe that embracing and celebrating the diversity in our workforce makes us a stronger and more innovative company.

By providing workplace adjustments, we make it easier for people to confidently explore and pursue our career opportunities and recognise that flexibility is key to fostering a dynamic and thriving workplace. Many of our office-based positions benefit from a flexible working arrangement, allowing our team members to achieve a balance between professional and personal commitments.

We actively encourage applications from candidates of all genders, races, ethnicities, ages, neurotypes, religions or beliefs, sexual orientations, and those with disabilities.

If you're passionate about making a difference, join us as we work together to build a brighter, more equitable, and sustainable future for all. Do you have what it takes?