FIELD BIOLOGIST (FULL TIME) – United Kingdom

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 and be legally entitled to work in the UK. Company vehicle (situated at the UK Headquarters) provided for field work purposes.

About SynTech Research Group: SynTech Research Group provides a wide range of R & D services to clients in agricultural businesses worldwide in over 60 countries. The broad scope of services includes all the key study types such as environmental fate and effect (GLP), bioefficacy (GEP), seeds/traits, as well as program planning, management and regulatory services.

Work Schedule: Average 39 hours per week over a year (nominally Monday-Friday). Working schedule is flexible and determined based on business needs, which may include early starts, and evenings (working around changeable weather conditions and crop development).

Key Position Summary:

• 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 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 resources (e.g. irrigation etc) to ensure the success of the trials.
• Capture, summarize and interpret individual trial data (accurately and consistently using ARM) for reporting to customers/Project Managers (PMs)/GAMs as well as keeping INSITE (online company database) up-dated throughout the season with info on trial progress.
• Maintain an up-to-date technical awareness of agricultural practice and products on the local market.
• 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.
• Professionally present and show customers (internal and external) around trials during field visits.

Qualifications/Education/Experience/Soft Skills requirements:

• Ideally BSc or equivalent qualification level in Agriculture or Biological/Life Science.
• Ideally at least 2-3 year’s field trial experience (ideally independently managing an individual field trials program following relevant GEP EPPO guidelines and company SOPs).
• NPTC PA1 and PA6 qualifications (Level 2 Award in Safe Use of Pesticides) are required. PA2 and PA11 desirable but not essential (training and tests will be provided).
• Quality focused with good written and verbal English skills.
• Good PC skills (ideally with experience of using ARM software).
• Good communication, effective time management (including task prioritization during busy workload periods) 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.

25 days paid holiday per annum (plus UK bank/public 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. 22 days fully paid sickness leave per annum. Private Medical Insurance available after successful 6 month’s probation. 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 placement).