Scientific Support Specialist - Insect Survey Engineer
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FULL DESCRIPTION
Scientific Support Specialist - Insect Survey Engineer
We are seeking a practical, hands-on Scientific Support Specialist – Insect Survey Engineer to service and enhance insect surveillance infrastructure and develop new technologies for nationally impactful research at [Employer hidden — view at passion-project.co.uk]. Based in Harpenden, UK, with national travel, this permanent, full-time role offers a salary of £37,191 per annum.
Overview of Role
Role Title: Scientific Support Specialist - Insect Survey Engineer
Salary: £37,191
Location: Harpenden, Hertfordshire, UK (national travel, company transport available with expenses incurred remunerated)
Contract type: Permanent, 37 hours per week
This represents a rare and exciting opportunity to contribute as a core Rothamsted Insect Survey (RIS) team member to important outputs for a diverse range of stakeholders, informing UK agronomists, crop growers, ecologists, scientists and policy makers.
About the Insect Survey: The RIS is deemed vital for the UK bioscience research and innovation landscape. Based at [Employer hidden] and established in 1964, the RIS operates two trap networks across the UK.
What you'll do
- Servicing, repairing and upgrading insect trapping infrastructure (including working at height where required).
- Designing, developing and building new monitoring equipment.
- Managing your own workload through careful planning, record‑keeping and cost‑effective scheduling.
- Supporting and liaising with both volunteers and site operators across the UK.
- Ensuring all work meets health and safety requirements and best practice.
- Communicating effectively with line managers and collaborators.
Around 10% of your time may be embedded within Rothamsted's Facilities, Engineering and Maintenance department.
What we're looking for
- Demonstrable competence in electrical and/or mechanical work, ideally evidenced by NVQ Level 3 (or higher) in an electrical or mechanical trade discipline(s) and/or relevant City & Guilds-supported qualifications.
- Practical experience working safely and in line with health and safety legislation, including Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, Electricity at Work Regulations 1989, Control of Substances Hazardous to Health.
- Full UK driving licence (company vehicle provided following a brief proficiency assessment).
What we're like to work with
The RIS are a dedicated team where your work has clear purpose and real‑world impacts. You’ll contribute directly to research that matters, as part of a nationally and internationally significant scientific survey. We value trust and expertise, so you’ll enjoy a high level of autonomy alongside a varied and hands‑on technical workload.
For an informal discussion, contact Dr Lawrence Bramham, Head of Rothamsted Insect Survey, at [contact hidden].
About the Company
Established in 1843, [Employer hidden] is one of the UK's leading Research Institutes delivering world class agricultural science. We have an attractive benefits package including 30 days annual leave, a generous pension scheme, Employee Assistance Programme and an attractive campus.
Closing Date: 08 May 2026