ADAS UK Ltd
Career opportunity for a Senior Research Technician
ADAS, the UK’s largest provider of expert solutions and policy advice on agricultural and environmental issues, is seeking to recruit a Senior Research Technician at ADAS Terrington, Norfolk. The position is full time and permanent.
You will be working as a member of the team responsible for setting up and undertaking field and plot experiments as part of the ADAS R&D agricultural, horticultural and agri-environmental programmes. Duties will involve a wide range of practical tasks, such as sampling and disease monitoring of plants and other scientific work.
Key Responsibilities will include:
• In consultation with researchers help plan and run a range of research projects including equipment requirements and availability of resources in order to meet protocol requirements and delivery deadlines.
• Take responsibility for the delivery of field work associated single site experiments
• Maintain experimental equipment including the calibration of canopy sensing equipment for use on high value multi site trials.
• Be responsible for the operation of technical sensoring equipment on a range of sites across the country, liaising with local site and land managers to ensure deadlines are met
• Collect and process biological and other samples according to experiment protocols for specified experiments.
• Assess levels of pest and disease and crop condition
• Collect and process soil, plant, gas and water samples according to experiment protocols for specified experiments, along with carrying out non-standard assessments, assisting in the development of new procedures
• Site and mark out field experiments, ensuring that soil and field features do not compromise the experimental design
• Collation, downloading, checking and management of large data sets, using a range of digital formats, combining data from disparate sources
• Inputting of data onto computer systems. Validation, collation and management of data according to GLP and QMS as appropriate. Initial statistical analysis of data as prescribed by experiment protocols. Tabulation of results from analysis.
• Carry out work as described in SOPs, and suggest and draft amendments to existing SOPs.
• Assist with experimental work outside of the immediate team as required
• Develop and sustain good working relationships with colleagues at all levels in the team and across ADAS.
• Supervision of fixed term and fee paid staff
• Operate on own initiative and plan their work effectively
Personal Qualities, Skills and Experience:
Candidates will:
• have ability to follow procedures and instructions in a meticulous fashion
• demonstrate knowledge of agricultural systems
• have experience of laboratory or field work
• be educated to at least Diploma level or equivalent in agriculture, horticulture or other biological/environmental science
• be able to work alone, or in a team and communicate effectively with colleagues
• have a flexible approach to work, including weekend working and occasional overnight stays at short notice
• have ability to organise own and other staff’s input into ‘owned’ studies to ensure deadlines are met
• have ability to apply a sound knowledge of science to novel procedures, to produce scientifically valid data
• demonstrate good numerical ability and accuracy, with experience of data handling and inputting, along with ability to collate, analyse and present data sets
• have a full driving licence
• demonstrate knowledge of basic word processing and data entry in Microsoft Word and Excel, along with email experience and knowledge of using the Internet
• Show a desire to learn new and varied skills
Hours
Normal hours of work are 37 per week net of meal breaks. Normal office hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday to Friday. A flexible approach to work is needed, as there will be a requirement to work overtime (evenings and weekends) during busy periods.
How to apply
Please send your CV and a covering letter by email toSAW.Recruitment@adas.co.uk or by post to SAW Recruitment, ADAS Boxworth, Battlegate Road, Boxworth, Cambridge, CB23 4NN. The closing date for applications is Friday 8th February 2013.
