Agronomy Trials Technician From £23,088 with paid overtime Cambridge CB3 0LF Ref: SV/A1327 ABOUT THE JOB We wish to appoint a keen, self-motivated, hardworking individual to work as part of our Cambridge Regional Trials Team. The role will focus on all aspects of agronomy in the delivery of field trials and demonstration plots across a range of crop species including combinable and horticultural crops, sugar beet, potatoes, maize and novel crops to evaluate varietal performance, disease resistance and agrochemical efficacy. Main duties will include seed preparation, drilling, monitoring, spraying, harvest, processing and storage of material for future use. You will also be involved in assessing trials during the season and recording information so attention to detail is essential. The majority of the work will be carried out as part of a team based at Cambridge but will also involve some off-site work assisting with trials operations at other centres around the UK. The role can be physically demanding, mostly standing / walking and working outdoors in all weather conditions, and involving regular manual handling of items up to 25kg, such as bags of seeds and other produce. Contract: Permanent Working Hours: 37 hours per week (Monday to Friday) ABOUT YOU Essential Requirements: A level or equivalent Basic agricultural skills and experience Knowledge of the agricultural sector Microsoft office e.g. Word and Excel Team player with ability to work under pressure Prepared to work unsociable hours at certain times of the year Desirable Requirements: Qualifications in science or agricultural subject Experience in combining and drilling Experience in spraying and trials management Experience of driving Tractors and other agricultural equipment and use of ancillary equipment Forklift, Tractor, PA11 (Seed Treatment), PA1, 4 (g and s) and PA6 A full UK driving licence is essential as travelling to our other trial sites across the region and occasionally to our other centres around the UK is required. Transport can be provided from the Cambridge office to our various sites. ABOUT US NIAB is a dynamic, research led and market driven plant bioscience organisation, with an emphasis on innovative applications for end-users in the agricultural, horticultural and food sectors. With almost 90 years' experience of technology evaluation and transfer, NIAB is spear-heading the advancement of plant genetic resources through research, technical services and training. NIAB actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability. LOCATION The role will be based at our offices in Cambridge. Cambridge site: BENEFITS We offer a comprehensive development programme and attractive pay and benefits package. Benefits include 25 days' holiday plus public holidays and 3 days off during the Christmas period, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, employee discount scheme, free on-site parking and great colleagues. TO APPLY Click the 'Apply' button or visit our website: for further details and to apply directly. Any questions? Email: or call Human Resources on: . Closing date: 20 October 2024. Interview date: 6 November 2024.
Park Farm, Histon, Cambridge CB24 9NZ (other locations in England may be considered) £42,500 - £50,000 Ref: SVA1315 Drive sustainable potato and root crop production in the UK! Are you an experienced researcher or evidence-led agronomist with a passion for potato and root-cropping systems? NIAB, a leader in bringing research into practice, is seeking a research agronomist to work with the Potato Team within Farming Systems and Agronomy Research. This is your opportunity to be at the forefront of sustainable crop production, delivering cutting-edge R&D, trials and services. ABOUT THE JOB In this role, you will develop and lead research projects and manage contract trials and services to provide independent data and technical interpretation for potatoes and root-cropping rotations. Working independently and within the Potato Team, you will be responsible for designing trials, interpreting data, preparing farmer-facing and academic publications, and delivering valuable insights to internal teams and external clients in engaging and accessible ways. This role offers an exciting opportunity to develop sustainable farming solutions and knowledge exchange programmes that directly benefit potato and root crop producers. You will engage with NIAB and CUPGRA members, delivering technical information at meetings, demonstrations, and events. The work will be mainly office based, using IT systems. However, the role includes field work, especially to support planting and harvest, and frequent travel by car for indoor meetings, outdoor events, or visits to farms / trials across the UK. Some tasks may be physically demanding, with a range of activities required - walking, standing, bending, and manual handling of items up to 25 kg. Contract: Permanent. Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday, part-time over 5 days, minimum 25 hours considered. ABOUT YOU The ideal candidate will have a strong background in potato agronomy and UK cropping systems, with experience in field trials, data analysis, and project management. You will have a proactive approach to work, able to manage independent research projects as well as contribute to the team's wider initiatives. A research/technical role in field crops or agronomy, or a relevant PhD, will provide a solid foundation for success. A practical understanding of crop production and strong communication skills are essential to effectively engage with farmers, agronomists, and industry partners. To be successful in this role, you will need: • A degree in a crop-focused biological or agricultural subject or equivalent qualifications/experience • Good knowledge of potato and root-cropping systems in the UK • Experience in field trials/research • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Strong IT skills (Microsoft Office) • A driving licence, as regular travel to trial sites across the UK is required Ideally, you will also have: • A postgraduate qualification related to crops or agronomy • BASIS Crop Protection (Arable) or FACTS certification • Experience in business development, proposal writing, and contract management ABOUT US NIAB is at the forefront of crop science and agronomy, committed to improving agricultural productivity and sustainability through research and collaboration. With over 100 years of experience in agricultural innovation, we are dedicated to delivering cutting-edge solutions to end-users across the agricultural, horticultural and food sectors, through research, knowledge exchange, and technical services. Our Farming Systems and Agronomy Research Team generates and provides specialist technical and scientific knowledge within NIAB and to a range of external clients. Potato research is one of our key areas of focus. We study potatoes within the context of rotations, including combinable, root and forage crops. The team also evaluates the environmental and social impacts of farming systems providing evidence to help selection of sustainable agricultural practices. NIAB provides the secretariat for CUPGRA, a community interest company that supports study, research, and knowledge exchange for the benefit of UK potato growers and the wider potato industry including suppliers, processors, packers, and retailers. Our collaboration with CUPGRA and other industry groups plays an essential role in ensuring the success of UK potato production, driving innovation across the sector. WHAT'S IN IT FOR YOU? You will work in a stimulating science environment with opportunities to grow your career in applied research. Along with project leadership responsibilities, you'll be part of a supportive and collaborative team, travelling to trials and research sites across the UK to ensure the successful delivery of cutting-edge agricultural projects. BENEFITS We offer a generous benefits package, including 25 days' holiday plus public holidays, three additional days off during the Christmas period, some opportunity for flexible working, generous sick pay, attractive pension scheme, income protection, life assurance, and an employee discount scheme. Free on-site parking is available. The appointee will be an employee of The Arable Group, part of the NIAB Group. LOCATION The role is expected to be based at NIAB's Park Farm, Histon, Cambridge, with free on-site parking and easy access to public transport and cycle routes and regular buses to Cambridge city centre and railway station. Close to Junction 32 of A14, with easy access to M11, A10 and A11. TO APPLY Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Elizabeth Stockdale by email: Click the 'Apply' button or visit our website: for further details and to apply directly. In your application, please indicate your preferred working pattern (e.g. full-time; school hours in term time, with 2 full days per week in the holidays). Any questions? Email: or call Human Resources on: . Closing date: 27 October 2024. Interview date: 12 November 2024. NIAB actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. As a Disability Confident Employer, we have a positive approach to employing people living with a disability. 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