Location: Park Farm, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9NZ (other locations in England may be considered)

Closing date: 27 October 2024 with interviews being held on 12 November 2024

Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday; part-time over 5 days, minimum 25 hours considered. 

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 US 

NIAB – Crop Science in Practice

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.

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.

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

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.

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. 

Benefits

We offer a generous benefits package, including 25 days’ holiday plus public holidays, 3 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.

TO APPLY

Click the ‘Apply’ button 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 [email protected] or call Human Resources on 01223 342282.

Informal enquiries are welcome, please contact Elizabeth Stockdale ([email protected]).

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.