Scientific Support Specialist - Insect Survey Engineer

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  

We are seeking a practical, hands‑on Scientific Support Specialist – Insect Survey Engineer to service and enhance our current insect surveillance infrastructure, and develop new technologies to support nationally impactful research.

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, contributing insect data and samples to a multitude of linked research efforts.

Based at Rothamsted Research and established in 1964, the RIS operates two trap networks across the UK. These have been employed to generate the most comprehensive and standardised long-term insect dataset in the world. There is a particular focus on collecting and processing the data of agriculturally important aphid species from the RIS suction-trap network. Complementing this, the RIS light-trap and linked volunteer network provides invaluable data on moths (and other light-attracted nocturnal insects), their prevalence and distribution across both habitats and landscapes.

We are seeking an enthusiastic individual with the technical/engineering know-how to help guarantee this irreplaceable national capability continues to operate and evolve for the future.

What you'll do:

You will take ownership of the servicing, repair and development of RIS insect traps, and interact with individuals running equipment at diverse UK-wide sites. Knowledge of entomology is not an essential requirement, but a strong appreciation for scientific research aligning with Rothamsted Research’s and a recognition for the value of insect surveillance/the RIS is desirable. The jobholder will have access to a fully equipped and self-managed workshop from which to perform their duties. A high level of interpersonal skills alongside both a flexible attitude and willingness to travel with overnight stays will be required.

Key responsibilities include:

• 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. This will provide access to additional training, technical support and ongoing professional development as required.

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 or equivalent professional development qualifications (Engineering, Manufacturing Industry, or Building Services Engineering particularly welcomed).
• 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. At the same time, you’ll be supported through training and ongoing professional development.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact:
Dr Lawrence Bramham
Head of Rothamsted Insect Survey

lawrence.bramham@rothamsted.ac.uk

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.