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Agricultural Systems Modeller

Title: Agricultural Systems Modeller, Agrecalc Limited

Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Location: Hybrid, base location Edinburgh

Closing Date: 13 July 2023

Company profile

Agrecalc is a Software as a Service provider based on a carbon footprint tool that calculates the carbon footprint of farms.  Agrecalc was established in 2007 by researchers and farm advisers at SRUC and continues to work closely with staff in SRUC including commercial and academic collaboration. 

Our product has an essential and vital purpose, to feed the world sustainably, providing growers, retailers, government and consumers with the information and actions they need to reduce the emissions related to food production. 

Our cloud-based software tool translates real farm data into carbon footprint and business insights for multiple actors across the agri-food supply chain. The current Agrecalc model is based mainly on IPCC greenhouse gas reporting guidelines for national inventories. 

Agrecalc a diverse and international team that works in a hybrid pattern, both from home and our headquarters in Edinburgh. Some travel will be required with this role.

Our values

Integrity

As a team, we are committed to owning what we do. Agrecalc offers ethical, independent carbon assessment.  

Transparency

We work with actors both along and outside of the supply chain. Our commitment is to empower others across the agricultural community and supply chain. 

Collaboration

We’re proud of our partnerships and enabling the flow of data, that will help the agri-food industry achieve a net-zero future. 

Agricultural Systems Modeller

Agrecalc is seeking a science and modelling expert to help support, develop and maintain the Agrecalc emissions model.  

You will join an interdisciplinary team, providing scientific and technical expertise and will play a key role in ongoing platform development, supporting the Product Technical Team.  

You will collaborate with the wider Agrecalc Team to deliver projects alongside our consultant/research partners at a UK and global level and help develop innovative and novel industry leading solutions. 

Opportunity   

This role will focus on maintaining the relevance and precision of the Agrecalc platform and improving the models underlying it. You will be responsible for documenting and disseminating these methods both internally and externally and maintaining the scientific credibility of Agrecalc. This includes working closely with researchers in SRUC and other research institutions on both Agrecalc development and in supporting related academic projects. Agrecalc has a strong programme of collaborative research both agreed and at the proposal level. 

Duties  

The role will include close collaboration with the Agrecalc technical team to translate scientific knowledge into our software service. The candidate will also work with the Agrecalc scientific lead to embed cutting-edge research in agriculture, atmospheric science, soil science, and agroecology into the Agrecalc tool.  

Core responsibilities 

  • Aid in the identification of possible existing and future improvements to the tool, utilising latest scientific and technical resources such as published scientific journals, IPCC reports, or national GHG inventory publications 
  • Design and incorporate methodological updates and new modules into the existing Agrecalc calculation engine 
  • Document and communicate the methodology underpinning Agrecalc to technical and non-technical audiences 
  • Provide knowledge on life cycle assessment and the Agrecalc model in stakeholder conversations 
  • Support scientific collaboration and delivery with SRUC and other research organisations and commercial partners. 

Scope for modelling and development projects, content for Agrecalc marketing including scientific and research insights and delivering of training and product meetings and presentations. 

Skills and experience   

Essential requirements 

Masters degree or Degree with equivalent demonstrable experience in Agriculture, Environmental Science, Environmental Modelling, or a related discipline, with a technical focus in Livestock, Animal Nutrition, Crops and Soils, or related topics such as Environmental or Food science.

Experience

  • Excellent numeracy and quantitative data handling skills, to include prior experience of using life cycle assessment (LCA), statistics, accounting models, or other modelling approaches 
  • Scientific / technical knowledge or experience of agricultural systems and / or greenhouse gas assessment or environmental impacts 
  • Understanding of ecosystem science and an ability to translate research into simplified quantitative methods 
  • Passion for sustainable agriculture and climate change action 
  • Excellent organisational skills and data management skills 

Qualities 

  • Strong team player, with the ability to integrate well into a team environment  
  • An effective communicator, with good oral, and written science and technical communication skills  
  • Excellent time management skills  
  • A curious, adaptable and enthusiastic mindset, can rapidly absorb and apply new knowledge and contribute own ideas  
  • Excellent presentation skills with an ability to communicate in face-to-face customer environments 

Desirable

Experience

  • Understanding of existing environmental accounting standards and guidelines (e.g., IPCC, GHG Protocol, National Inventory etc.) 
  • Previous programming knowledge or experience 
  • Skills in database design and advanced Microsoft Excel

The opportunity

This is an exciting time to join Agrecalc and work with us on our mission to feed the world sustainably by improving on farm efficiency and reducing emissions.

We are looking for a dynamic agricultural systems modeller on a full-time permanent basis. We can offer candidates an attractive benefit offering including:

  • A competitive salary depending on experience.
  • An attractive holiday allowance that goes beyond the statutory minimum.
  • Company pension scheme.
  • A hybrid work pattern with opportunity for remote work 2/3 days per week.

To apply

To apply, please send a covering letter (outlining the most relevant experience to this role and why you are the right candidate) and your CV to  [email protected]. If you are applying through LinkedIn, please ensure you have included a covering letter. 

The closing date for applications for this vacancy is Thursday, 13 July 2023 at 5 pm, however we may close earlier depending on response rates. As such we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

At Agrecalc, we welcome all no matter your background. We encourage the right candidates regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or race.

Application Deadline: 13 July 2023

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