Scotia Seeds Vacancy – Marie Curie Research Fellow
Transfer of NASSTEC knowledge between European seed producers and
researchers
One Experienced Researcher position available
DURATION: 20 Months Fixed Term Appointment, from February 2016 until September 2017
HOURS: Full time – 37.5 hours per week
LOCATION: Scotia Seeds, Mavisbank, Farnell, Brechin, Angus, Scotland
CLOSING DATE: 8th October 2015
NASSTEC (The NAtive Seed Science, TEchnology and Conservation Initial Training Network is a
Marie Curie Multi-partner ITN (Initial Training Network), part of the people programme of FP7
(the Seventh Framework Programme for research and technological development of the European
Union) Contract N. PITN-GA-2013-607785 running from 1.4.2014 to 31.3.2018. The network
consists of four leading European academic institutions and three leading commercial seed
companies with eight associate partners mainly involved in land management to create an integrated
academic, commercial and practical training environment.
NASSTEC will train 11 Early Stage Researchers (ESR) and 1 Experienced Researcher in native
seed science, conservation and use, to increase the impact of environmental mitigation and
adaptation projects. The training network has three sub-groups: A, In‐ situ seed sampling
(3 projects); B, Seed biology characterisation (4 projects), and; C, Production
and deployment of seed (4 projects). This post comes under sub‐category C which is
led by Scotia Seeds.
Scotia Seeds seeks to employ a highly qualified Experienced Researcher in Plant Sciences,
Environmental Technology and/or Science Communication to join our team as a ‘Marie Curie
Experienced Researcher’. Based at Brechin in Angus, Scotland, UK, this 20 month post will extend
from 1st February 2016 until 30th September 2017.
The key role of the successful candidate will be to integrate end users, industry and academia by
ensuring the effective transfer of relevant technology and information between NASSTEC and
European native seed producers and users.
More information on the project can be found in the attached document entitled “NASSTEC Annex
I - Description of Work”
Job description
The Experienced Researcher will be responsible for: (1) establishing a contacts database/network of
native seed users, producers, trade associations, and potential producers (the ‘Stakeholder
Community’), in all sectors in the EU; 2) establishing contact with the Stakeholder Community and
establishing their technical needs and challenges; (3) interacting continuously with the whole of the
NASSTEC community to collate the research findings of the ESRs and partners into key
deliverables, including NASSTEC manuals; (4) promoting technical advances in native seed
production with the Stakeholder Community and the general public, and; (5) developing and
updating the internet based Information Facility for e-forums, e-notice-board and using the website
and social media to communicate within and beyond the NASSTEC community.
The project is expected to include 2 secondments, at Semillas Silvestres, Cordoba, Spain (SESIL)
in the first year of the post and a secondment of choice during the second year.
Essential skills and competencies:
The successfully candidate will hold a Degree in Plant Science or Ecology and a proven interest in
native seed science. He/she will also be highly organised and have demonstrated excellent
communication, interpersonal and team-working skills. A high level of proficiency in English is
also essential, including the ability to communicate scientific and technical information verbally
and in writing. This capacity should extend to the ability to populate webpages and effective use of
social media. The candidate’s IT-management skills should extend to information gathering and
collation in a database. A flexible attitude will be essential, as aspects of the project may evolve
differently from the anticipated direction, working hours may vary and international travel will be
required.
Desired experience:
Experience of native seed production or use: proficiency in basic computer software; knowledge of
survey design and effective working independently and as part of a team. Additional language skills
in Spanish or Italian would be useful. Experience of dealing with a range of organizations in
academia, commerce and the public and private sectors would be advantageous.
Requirements
Eligible candidates must satisfy the following criteria:
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have a first or upper-second class Honours Degree or equivalent in plant or environmental
sciences, or a related discipline;
Experienced Researchers must, at the time of recruitment by the host organisation, be in
possession of a doctoral degree or have at least four years of full-time equivalent research
experience calculated from the time when s/he obtained the university degree which
formally entitles her/him to embark on a PhD. Experienced researchers must also, at the
time of recruitment by the host organisation, have less than five years of full-time equivalent
research experience (not considering career breaks, or maternity leave) at the closing date of
this advert.
have not resided or carried out activities (studies, work, etc.) in the United Kingdom for
more than 12 months in the 3 years immediately prior to the closing date of this advert.
Short stays such as holidays are not included.
may be of any nationality, though applicants wishing to work within the UK must be
entitled to do so before they can be employed.
Selection process: preferential criteria
- Proficiency in English with an ability to communicate accurately and effectively in verbal and
written English;
- Background of botanical knowledge in plant ecology, plant taxonomy, seed ecology, seed
production;
- Work and research experience in a subject area relevant for the position advertised;
- Work and research experience in a foreign country in a subject area relevant for the position
advertised;
- Experience in European and/or international projects for research, education and outreach;
- Experience of dealing with a wide range of organisations;
- Scientific and educational or more wide-ranging publications, skills in scientific presentations and
report writing;
- Ability to develop and strengthen international relations in the relevant subject area.
- A passion for plants and nature conservation.
Benefits
The salary is calculated under the provisions of the EU for the ER positions in Marie Curie Actions.
For the UK, the salary is calculated by applying the country correction coefficient of 1.344 to the
base amount of € 58,500.00 per annum for a corrected total of € 78,624.00 per annum (gross pay).
This salary will be paid in GBP. The salary is supplemented by a mobility allowance of € 8,400.00
per annum corrected for UK to a total of € 11,289.60 per annum paid in GBP. In the case of a
Researcher with a family, this amount is € 16,128.00 per annum paid in GBP. All the amounts
quoted are gross amounts that include all compulsory deductions under UK legislation (i.e. all direct
taxes and social security contributions), both those charged to the employers and those charged to
the employee, and subject to pension arrangements and all costs of employment.
This advert and the application process complies with The European Charter for Researchers, and
The Code of Conduct for the Recruitment of Researchers. The Interview Panel will comprise a
gender-balanced board with a minimum of three members and will be conducted in English.
Further information is available from www.nasstec.eu and www.scotiaseeds.co.uk and/or by
contacting the project supervisor Giles Laverack at scotiaseeds@btconnect.com or the project
manager Angela Ruggiero at angela.ruggiero@muse.it.
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To apply, please submit the application form attached, covering letter and CV which
includes publications on which the candidate is an author, the names and addresses of three
referees, one being your current/most recent employer or if a recent graduate, to include
academic references.
Applications should be sent to nasstec@muse.it with the subject ‘NASSTEC Application’.