Agricultural Systems Specialist

Rothamsted Research, the UK’s oldest and largest agricultural research centre, is seeking an Agricultural Systems Specialist to act as researcher and project manager for a new project to further develop an integrated approach to bio-energy deployment. The Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) have funded a Supergen Bio-energy Hub to act as a co-ordinating body for research and technology interaction within the EPSRC sphere and to conduct its own research in areas were consultation had identified gaps. This new project is part of a programme developing and improving energy crops within the Cropping Carbon Institute Strategic Programme at Rothamsted Research.

Duties will involve discussions and semi-formal workshops to identify knowledge gaps and potential data sources. There will be a component of desk studies to mine the literature for available data. Where no suitable data exists the successful candidate will be expected to design appropriate sampling, processing and analytical protocols to generate new data. Publication in scientific literature will be key, but equally influencing policy makers and the industry directly feature strongly in the Hub objectives. Quality Assurance is a vital component of all projects at RRes and the post holder will be responsible for protocol development with project partners.

The successful candidate will have a degree in an agricultural subject and ideally a relevant post graduate qualification including some research training. Most importantly the successful candidate will need to demonstrate a broad knowledge of agriculture in the UK and an ability to apply that knowledge across sectors. An understanding of the principles of Life Cycle Analysis will be required. Some knowledge of Forestry systems would be an advantage. The research will require travel within the UK and the occasional overnight stay. A full UK driving licence will be helpful.

The post is funded for 21 months at Band D with the option for renewal. The appointment is full time with a starting salary normally in the region of £28,110 to £31,677 per annum.

Apply by application form only, available with further particulars by clicking the 'Apply' button below or from the HR Group, Rothamsted Research, Harpenden, Herts AL5 2JQ, rres.hr@rothamsted.ac.uk

Please quote reference 1250.
Closing date: 24 May 2013.                      

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