Research and Development Officer

Role purpose

• The development of production systems and product formulations for new beneficial insects and mites.
• The development of novel formulations for existing products.
• The development of novel methodologies to improve current production systems targeting improvements in efficiency, quality and cost.
• To design semi-trials and prepare protocols to meet agreed project objectives.
• To collect and collate data from trials to support marketing and commercial teams prior to product launch.

Where necessary carry out semi-field trials in the UK and Europe.

Accountabilities

Reporting to the R&D and Quality Manager, and working to meet the company’s strategic objectives using a project-based system:

• To successfully manage assigned strategic projects, working with colleagues in multiple locations.
• To develop rearing systems for new beneficial insects and mites and to progress rearing systems to commercial implementation.
• To develop novel formulations and products for the company’s portfolio and to progress their development through internal production testing to commercial implementation.
• To develop novel methodologies for existing production systems and work with the production department to deliver innovations to improve existing production models.
• To communicate results internally by recording and circulating relevant information in the agreed format, and ensuring the quality of reports with accurate data, interpretation and conclusions.

Critical success factors & key challenges

• As a member of the core project team within the department, work on specific allocated strategic projects within defined parameters to meet specific objectives.
• Manage project teams within the company on specific allocated strategic projects within defined parameters to meet specific objectives.
• Carry out studies of potential product innovations and novel production methodologies.
• Work actively with colleagues in different departments and ensure good communication of ideas.
• Contribute actively to projects managed by other staff across multiple locations.
• Achieve the objectives agreed during the annual review.

Knowledge, experience & capabilities

Critical knowledge

• Able to work as part of a team to meet departmental objectives.
• Knowledge of practical entomology and acarology and the ability to turn abstract knowledge into practical use.
• An understanding of mass rearing of insects and mites would be an advantage.
• A good technical knowledge and understanding of the uses of biological control agents in crop protection would be an advantage.
• Experience of conducting trials of commercial products or active ingredients in greenhouses would be an advantage.
• Knowledge of project management.

Critical experience

• Hands-on experience of working with mass rearing systems for insects and mites would be an advantage.
• Experience working with beneficial insect & mite products in crops would be an advantage.
• Experience of designing and planning trials work, recording, analysing and interpreting data.

Critical technical, professional and personal capabilities

• Ability to plan and carry out daily work to meet defined objectives
• Ability to work as part of a team to meet the departmental objectives.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities
• Ability to communicate on a professional level with colleagues of different knowledge and ability levels
• Ability to articulate complex ideas to colleagues.
• Be organised, and work within set guidelines
• Flexibility and the ability to modify plans in order to meet defined objectives
• Have strong practical skills and the willingness to do practical tasks

Critical leadership capabilities

1. Skilfully plans, organizes and monitors performance to meet deadlines.

2. Senses and adapts to the changing environment to achieve excellence in delivery.

3. Manages risk and can work with uncertainty.

Additional information

• Willingness to travel on company business as required

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Casual dress
• Company events
• Company pension
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Clacton-on-Sea: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: In person

Reference ID: Bioline Agrosciences