Research Scientist

NES Fircroft; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A global leader in engineering staffing is recruiting a Research Scientist for a 2-year contract in Bracknell. The role requires at least two years of laboratory experience and a degree in Biological Science, with a focus on plant biology or biochemistry. Candidates will design experiments and analyze data on agrochemicals, ensuring compliance with company safety standards.

Benefits

Comprehensive training

Diverse and inclusive work environment

Access to well-equipped laboratories

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of laboratory experience in a relevant field.
• Experience in plant or insect science is preferred.
• Proven ability to follow scientific plans and deliver results.

Responsibilities

• Design, plan, execute, and analyze experiments.
• Provide scientific support for bioavailability studies.
• Prepare detailed reports and present findings.

Skills

Scientific writing

Interpersonal communication

Team collaboration

Data analysis

Education

BSc or MSc in Biological Science

Tools

LC-MS

Data visualization tools

Job description

NES Fircroft is recruiting a Research Scientist for a 2‑year contract position at a client’s International Research Centre in Jealott’s Hill, Bracknell. The role is Monday‑Friday, 36 hours per week.

About this opportunity

Our client is a global name in Agricultural Technology. They are looking for a Research Scientist with proven experience in a research setting to join the Bioperformance group within the Crop Protection function.

Role purpose and key requirements

The successful candidate will work on a variety of projects, from early‑stage research to product development and market support. They will use a combination of lab and glasshouse assays as well as analytical techniques to produce high‑quality data on the bioavailability of active ingredients and products.

We are looking for someone with at least two years’ experience of working in a laboratory, a degree, MSc (preferred) or PhD, in a Biological Science subject and preferably some experience of working in plant science or insect science.

Additionally, the candidate must show good personal management skills, such as following science plans, delivering results in line with project timelines, and complying with company HSE standards. The candidate must have a team mentality, effective interpersonal and communication skills, and be able to work with colleagues from various disciplines.

The role will involve

Core tasks

• Proactively providing the scientific and technical support to inform about the bioavailability of novel agrochemicals by performing studies in whole plants / insects (in vivo) or plant parts and insect tissues (ex vivo).
• Responsible for independently designing, planning, executing and analysing experiments to further our understanding of how AIs interact with in plant or insect matrixes.
• Interpreting and analysing data and presenting conclusions in detailed reports and presentations.
• Performing operational priorities that are agreed with the Science Leader.
• Implementing HSE actions to ensure the operations are within defined standards.

Additional tasks

• Reviewing and advancing established protocols or methodology that improves capability and efficiency.
• Transferring knowledge and building new capabilities to supplement existing toolkits.

What are we looking for

Essential

• BSc or MSc (preferred) with experience in subject areas related to Plant Biology, Biochemistry, Chemistry and/or Soil Science.
• At least two years of relevant laboratory‑based experience, either in a relevant professional or academic setting.
• Effective scientific writing (fluent in English), verbal communication, and organizational skills.

Desirable

• Some professional experience working in Pharmacology, Agronomy, Crop Protection, Biochemistry or Analytical Chemistry.
• Experience in handling large data sets – data storage, reporting analysis, and visualization tools.
• Experience in the study of ADME of active ingredients.
• Experience of analysing small molecules using LC‑MS.
• Experience working with soil, seeds, plants or insects.

What we offer

• Comprehensive training in all techniques including the use of LCMS based analysis and 14C imaging.
• A great working environment at our International Research Centre with well‑equipped laboratories, open culture and a diverse workforce.
• The opportunity to work with and learn from highly qualified, experienced employees and gain scientific and technical excellence.

NES Fircroft (NES) is the world’s leading engineering staffing provider spanning multiple sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we support our clients with engineering and technical expertise wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits to providing market‑leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.