Applied Entomology Researcher

NIAB is a dynamic, research led and market driven plant bioscience organisation, with an emphasis on innovative applications for end-users in the agricultural, horticultural and food sectors. NIAB East Malling, based in Kent, focuses on perennial fruit crops with over 100 years of innovative, strategic, and applied research in this sector working closely with a range of stakeholders including industry.

We wish to appoint an applied entomology researcher to work as part of ourbusy and friendly Pest and Pathogen Ecology (PPE) team based at East Malling in Kent. You would be responsible for building on our significant international reputation, with a focus on the Integrated Pest Management of pests on fruit crops. Areas of research could involve pest control, conservation biology, pollination, biocontrol and field trials. Current projects include collaborations on insect semiochemistry, sterile insect techniques, invasive pest surveillance, wildflower margins to deliver beneficial insects, pesticide resistance and pest predator interactions, amongst others.  Our overall aim is to reduce the reliance on chemical insecticides and implement strategies that will reduce the impact of crop production on the environment.

The successful candidate will join an established and collaborative department with the expectation to collaborate within the department, with other departments at NIAB East Malling and the wider NIAB group.

It is anticipated that the post holder will engaged in applied and industry facing research including field-based entomological research. You will initially be engaged in the current research program of the department whilst gradually building your own collaborative research portfolio as an independent researcher. You will need to demonstrate a track record of securing project funds with evidence of a national and international scientific presence, including publications. You will be supported by a friendly, progressive, and enthusiastic team to deliver solutions primarily for the fruit industry but with the freedom to expand into other exciting areas of agricultural entomology.

For this post, it is essential that you have good interpersonal skills to develop a very close working relationship with the industry (growers, consultants, agrochemical companies etc.) as well fellow researchers and will submit high quality proposals to a range of research funders. In summary, this is an opportunity for the post-holder to become the key provider of technical development and support in pest management for the UK horticulture industry and beyond.

The successful candidate will have a PhD in a relevant discipline with experience of managing, developing and delivering research projects and/or programmes on scientific research in insect pest ecology and or control.

The salary for this role is in the range of £39,058 to £51,538 per annum, dependent on skills, experience, and qualifications.

Further details and an application form are available at: https://www.niab.com/careers or from the HR Office, East Malling, Kent, ME19 6BJ, Tel No. 01732 523797, Email: [email protected] , quoting Ref No. SV/A1330

Closing date for applications: 16 September 2022