Animal Health & Welfare Scientist - fixed term contract in Coventry

We are currently recruiting for an Animal Health and Welfare Scientist to work on a hybrid basis, two/three days from our HQ in Coventry and the remainder working remotely from home. This 13‑month, fixed‑term role has responsibility to design and deliver a range of Animal Health and Welfare projects covering a variety of specialist areas. Educated to degree level in a related discipline, with experience in the livestock sector, we are looking for a proactive individual with strong organisational and communications skills and a genuine interest in farming and improving the health and welfare of livestock in the industry.

About AHDB: We are the independent, impartial public body that unlocks success in British agriculture. Funded by a levy from over 100,000 British producers in the beef, lamb, pork, dairy and cereals sectors, we support and champion farmers, growers and processors, often where no one else can or will. We share the expert, evidence‑based research and reports that inform on‑farm decision making. We promote British produce to the UK public through domestic marketing campaigns, and we identify and open new global export opportunities to help farm businesses grow. We help levy payers learn more, sell more and export more to remain sustainable and profitable. Together, we deliver the insights, the influence and the impact that farmers need.

Responsibilities:

• Provide technical expertise into specific activities and projects in the Animal Health and Welfare area, including advising on scientific rationale and providing technical support to levy payers, the organisation and government.
• Act as a reference point for those activities to become a nationally recognised expert, and use that expertise to expand the knowledge base of other AHDB staff.
• Ensure effective and efficient delivery of projects to the required standard, identifying and resolving any issues in a timely and professional manner.
• Take an active approach in providing evidence‑based, UK factual data to the media, government and the wider supply chain.
• Work with colleagues to understand key priorities from levy payers and the wider industry, ensuring promotion of the Animal Health and Welfare work.
• Maintain effective communication with all stakeholders, providing solutions to issues arising in a timely manner.
• Represent AHDB within the area of expertise, ensuring that research and knowledge exchange achieve a positive impact with our levy payers.
• Proactively contribute to a high‑performing team.
• Be familiar with the budgets allocated to projects and programmes being worked on.

Essential Criteria:

• Relevant degree in agricultural, biology, veterinary or related discipline.
• Knowledge of, or experience in, the livestock sector.
• Confident in proactive networking with stakeholders, in person or via other communication channels.
• Excellent project management skills.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent prioritisation, organisation and time management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills, with an ability to think outside the box.
• A flexible approach to adapt to the changing priorities of the livestock sector.
• Hold a valid driving licence, with the ability to travel around the UK when required.

Benefits:

• 35 hours per week, Monday‑Friday, to include hybrid working.
• 33 days annual leave plus one privilege day (inclusive of bank holidays).
• Life assurance cover (4x salary).
• A market‑leading defined contribution pension scheme with Legal & General.
• Enhanced pay of 20 weeks for maternity, adoption and shared parental leave, subject to length of service.
• A paid day each year to volunteer and make a difference in your community.
• Comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme.
• Excellent training and development opportunities and an agreed development plan.
• Recognition awards throughout the year.

At AHDB, we are committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, to include flexible working opportunities. This applies to both our workforce and the practices we follow.