Assistant Field Biologist

Job content

SynTech Research Group is a leading Agricultural Contract Research Organisation (CRO), providing a full range of contract efficacy, environmental, regulatory and market support services, to agrochemical, biostimulant, biocontrol and seeds customers worldwide.

Assistant Field Biologist (full time) – United Kingdom

We are currently looking to recruit an Assistant Field Biologist to support our UK field trials team based at our headquarters in Pakenham (Suffolk, UK):

Contract:12 months (6-month probation period). Option of permanent contract after 12 months dependant on successful performance and development of individual (with further training and career development opportunities).

Working Hours:Average 155 hours per month (day/time flexible). Working schedule is flexible and determined based on business needs, which may include weekends and/or public holidays. If required to work some of these a pro-rata extra leave entitlement will be given (time-off-in- lieu).

Location: Role will be based at the UK headquarters in Pakenham (Suffolk) but regular travel to off-site trial locations (typically within 2 hours) will be required. Applicant must therefore possess a full driving license. Company vehicle (situated at the UK Headquarters) provided for field work purposes.

Key Position Summary:

• To provide support with the execution and timely delivery of the UK field trials programme (GEP Bioefficacy and GLP - Crop Residue and Environmental Fate field trials/studies). Trials will involve field testing the efficacy and safety of pesticides, bio- pesticides, bio stimulants and fertilisers.
• To primarily work alongside the field biologist team and provide “hands on” field trial support. Full training and supervision provided but some tasks may be delegated (when suitably trained) and be required to conduct alone.
• To support the Crop & Site Maintenance Operator with practical crop maintenance operations and general site maintenance activities at the field facility in Pakenham (including trial and farm machinery), as required.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities:

• Under supervision, assist the UK field biology team with all operations needed to execute the annual field trials programme. This includes trial plot marking, test item measuring & application, assessment of product performance and crop safety, trial harvesting (sampling), grain/seed testing, data capture/recording (including some use of ARM software) and reporting.
• Provide practical crop maintenance assistance to ensure quality crops and targets for field trial experiments (e.g. pest & weed control, irrigation, crop sampling and harvesting) both at the field facility (assisting the Crop & Site Maintenance operator) and off-site on grower’s land.
• As required, support the Crop & Site Maintenance operator with general trial and farm machinery and facility maintenance.
• Under instruction, carry out all delegated tasks to the required levels to satisfy GEP and/or GLP compliance (following local Standard Operating procedures and trial protocols) and local (HSE) company safety standards. Full “on the job” training and PPE will be provided.
• Develop a detailed action plan for all tasks allocated to them (including priorities) and executes them successfully, accurately and in a professional manner on-time to meet all trial objectives.
• Role will require flexible working (i.e. based on the weather/crop growth/farmer activities) with occasional long days involving some physical tasks. May be required to work early mornings, evenings, some weekends and public holidays (time off can be taken in lieu for weekend and bank holiday working).

Qualifications/Education/Experience/Soft Skills requirements:

• Ideally BSc or equivalent qualification in Agriculture or Biological/Life Science.
• Relevant practical field trial or agricultural farm work experience (including some experience and familiarity with using standard farm equipment) is preferred.
• NPTC PA1, PA2, PA4G and PA6 qualifications (Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides) desirable but not essential (training and tests will be provided).
• Good written and verbal English.
• Good PC skills.
• Good communication, time management and problem-solving skills
• Good “hands-on” practical and mechanical skills desirable.
• 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.

Salary: £21,500-24,000 per annum (dependent on relevant work experience)

Benefits:

• 25 days paid holiday per annum (plus UK bank holidays).
• Pension: Auto-enrolment pension paid through the payroll. Employer and employee contributions are paid by the company in accordance with legislation in force. This commences after an initial 3 month waiting period.
• Possible future opportunities to work with SynTech teams in other countries and regions during winter periods to aid career training and staff development (via a short term sabbatical).

Job Types: Full-time, Temp to perm
Contract length: 12 months

Salary: £21,500.00-£24,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Flexitime
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Flexitime
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Supplemental pay types:

• Performance bonus

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• A-Level or equivalent (preferred)

Work Location: One location

Application deadline: 28/02/2023
Reference ID: Assistant Field Biologist_002