Crop Protection Scientist (Cereals & Oilseeds)

We are currently recruiting for a Crop Protection Scientist (Cereals & Oilseeds) to join our Farming Systems team on a hybrid basis, with two to three days from our HQ in Coventry and the remainder working remotely from home, Monday to Friday. This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of research that helps address some of the key crop protection challenges facing the UK cereals and oilseeds sector.

As a Crop Protection Scientist, you will take responsibility for the delivery and development of research programmes within Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in cereal and oilseed crops. Working closely with colleagues and a wide range of industry stakeholders, you will support research activities from inception through to completion, helping to identify research priorities, manage projects and communicate findings that deliver value to levy payers.

We are looking for someone with post-graduate research experience, or expertise, in a relevant field of study, together with strong technical knowledge of IPM in cereal and oilseed crops. Ideally, you will have expertise in weed and/or disease management in particular, experience of developing and managing research projects, and strong data analysis skills. You will be a confident communicator, capable of building effective relationships with stakeholders and translating scientific information into clear, practical messages for industry audiences.

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.

• Lead the delivery and development of research projects focused on integrated pest management in cereals and oilseeds
• Analyse and interpret crop protection data and research findings to support project outputs and industry recommendations
• Identify research gaps and emerging crop protection challenges, developing projects that align with the AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds Research Strategy
• Build and maintain effective relationships with levy payers, researchers, agronomists, government bodies and industry organisations
• Promote and communicate AHDB-funded research through publications, presentations, events and stakeholder engagement activities
• Monitor project performance and deliverables to ensure successful delivery and value for money

• Post-graduate research experience or expertise in a relevant field of study
• Expertise in integrated pest management of cereal and oilseed crops, preferably with a focus on weeds and/or diseases
• Experience of developing, managing or supporting research projects and programmes
• Excellent data analysis skills, including experience of interpreting complex data sets and using databases
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, together with a proactive approach and a valid UK driving licence