Field trials officer: Job description

Field trials officers develop and manage research trials on plants in the field or laboratory. Depending on their experience, they may be involved with the entire process of planning trials or oversee one particular stage of the research procedure.

By liaising with scientists and matching their requirements with the trial site or laboratory, trials officers play a key role in making large-scale scientific research happen.

The results of research trials are used to inform development decisions in agriculture. Analysis of these results may be communicated in a detailed report or presentation. This is not currently a requirement in all positions but is increasingly requested by clients.

Typical work activities

Tasks will vary according to the type of institution or organisation you work for and the nature of your role within it but will include some or all of the following:

• planning, preparing and organising trials, either on-site or in the laboratory;
• writing research proposals;
• monitoring field conditions in close detail;
• applying chemicals to trials;
• designing and developing experiments;
• undertaking detailed statistical planning;
• balancing the demands of new experiment designs with site limitations;
• gathering and accurately recording data;
• recording and processing results, using specialist software such as Farmade and Genstat;
• analysing, writing and presenting reports;
• liaising with technical development staff at all levels;
• conducting discussions with research staff;
• meeting with clients and adapting their requirements;
• negotiating trials requirements with students in educational establishments;
• helping undertake demonstrations and presentations for commercial clients;
• dealing with a wide range of paperwork;
• ensuring that work adheres to government legislation;
• working to a high level of confidentiality and protocol;
• overseeing the running of research sites, from effective budget management to maintaining site buildings and equipment;
• employing and managing staff;
• coordinating audit trails and accompanying visiting auditors;
• project-managing research;
• giving specialist advice and information to clients and colleagues.