Agricultural Research Scientist

Also known as:

Farm Research Scientist
Research Scientist, Agricultural
Scientist, Agricultural

Introduction

Agricultural research scientists conduct research to develop new or improved methods of planting, harvesting and cultivating crops or better ways of housing, feeding and caring for livestock.

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Work Activities

Agricultural research scientists conduct fundamental research. They do this to develop new or improved methods of planting, harvesting and cultivating crops, and also to develop better ways of housing, feeding and caring for livestock.

Research teams may include scientists from a wide range of subjects, including agriculture, biological sciences, chemistry and biochemistry, with technical support from specialists in biometrics, computing and statistics. Programmes of research fall into four broad categories: soils; plants; animals; and farm produce.

Soil science involves studying the physical, chemical and biological aspects of soils that affect the nutrition, growth and production of crops. Chemists, biochemists and microbiologists analyse the properties of soil and the relationship between the soil and plants, to improve levels of fertility.

Plant research relates to ecology and patterns of growth and is aimed at improving the technology of plant breeding and producing improved varieties of agricultural crop plants for eventual use by farmers. Botanists, plant physiologists and biophysicists may be involved in this.

Scientists also investigate ways of controlling pests that attack plants, at minimum risk to the consumer or the environment. This includes specialisms such as entomology (insects), mycology (fungi) and virology (viruses).

Research programmes on animals involve the genetics of breeding livestock, ways of controlling diseases and methods of limiting damage by predators. Animal physiologists, geneticists, bacteriologists and pathologists may specialise in this type of work.

Farm produce research aims to improve the way that cereals, fruit, vegetables, meat, milk and eggs are handled and preserved.

In all cases, agricultural research scientists carry out tests and experiments, collect data and analyse the results. They visit farms and other agricultural businesses and write up reports based on their research and their visits. They may combine their research work with teaching in a university or college.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

Agricultural research scientists must have a keen interest in the science and technology underpinning agriculture and farming methods.

They need to be accurate and methodical in their approach and pay close attention to detail. They also need perseverance and patience when conducting experiments and waiting for and analysing the results.

They should be well organised. Management skills are also required when leading and supervising research projects.

Excellent communication skills - both spoken and written - are essential in order to explain the outcomes of research, and to encourage and persuade farmers and farm managers to make changes and adopt improved techniques.

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Pay and Opportunities

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Agricultural research scientists earn in the range of £21,000 - £28,000 a year, rising to £38,000 - £48,000. Higher earners can make around £55,000 a year.

Agricultural research scientists work 35-39 hours a week, Monday to Friday. However, early starts, late finishes, shifts and weekend work may be required.

Local and national government departments and agencies employ most agricultural research scientists.

There are also opportunities with research bodies such as the Agricultural Development and Advisory Service (ADAS) and the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC).

ADAS provides a research and consultancy service for land-based industries.

The BBSRC undertakes and organises research in institutes and universities across the UK.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

If you don't have the qualifications you need to enter a degree course, you might be able to start one after completing an Access course. You don't usually need any formal qualifications to start an Access course, although you should check individual course details.

Funding for further study is available from the Studley College Trust. Candidates should see the Trust website to check on eligibility.

• 13% of people in occupations such as agricultural research scientist work part-time.
• 23% have flexible hours.
• 18% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as conservation or countryside management.