Senior Research Scientist

NES Fircroft; Bracknell; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player in Crop Protection Solutions is seeking a Senior Research Scientist to join their Bioperformance group. This role focuses on plant physiology and biochemistry, where you will conduct vital research on the ADME behavior of active ingredients. You will be responsible for generating high-quality data from biokinetics assays, analyzing results, and proposing follow-up studies. Your expertise will drive the introduction of new technologies and improvements to assay protocols, contributing significantly to the understanding of critical performance characteristics in crop protection. If you are passionate about advancing scientific knowledge in this field, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• 2+ years of research experience in a relevant setting.
• Proven track record in experimental design and troubleshooting.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high quality data to herbicide research projects.
• Devise and develop new capabilities for ADME-related projects.

Skills

Experimental Design

Data Processing

Data Analysis

Communication Skills

Troubleshooting

Education

MSc in Plant Physiology

PhD in Plant Biochemistry

Tools

LCMS

Job description

Senior Research Scientist

NES Fircroft are working with a well renowned Crop Protection Solutions Company who are looking for a Senior Research Scientist who specialises in plant physiology and/or plant biochemistry, and who has proven experience in a research setting to join the Bioperformance group within Bioscience in Crop protection. The group conducts research on the ADME (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism and Elimination) behaviour of active ingredients (AI) within target and non-target species, enabling understanding of critical performance characteristics such as selectivity, resistance and translation to the field. If successful, as part of the Herbicide Biokinetics team, you would work on the optimisation and deployment of assays using LCMS analysis.

Role purpose:

1. Assume responsibility for delivering high quality data to herbicide research projects that you have generated from biokinetics assays. Analyse data, feedback results, contribute scientific advice and propose appropriate follow up studies. Troubleshoot where necessary.
2. Using own expertise introduce new technologies and devise improvements to assay protocols to generate operational efficiencies using automation and digital tools.
3. Devise and develop new capabilities/experimental strategies to support the ADME-related requirements of projects and programs. Independently design and perform experiments to evaluate the robustness and validity of the biokinetics assays.
4. Effectively communicate scientific findings and resulting implications within the group and to cross-disciplinary projects.

To be successful in this role, we believe you will need:

Essential:

• MSc and/or PhD in plant physiology, in plant biochemistry or related degree.
• 2+ years of research experience, either in a relevant professional or academic setting.
• Proven track record in experimental design and troubleshooting.
• Excellent data processing and analysis skills.
• Ability to work effectively with staff at all levels within the organisation.
• Record of working with and influencing others through your scientific knowledge and experience.
• Willingness to deepen scientific knowledge and understanding of the broader crop protection industry.

Desirable:

• Experience of analysing small molecules using LCMS.
• An interest in applying data that you have generated in predictive modelling.