Agricultural scientists research and develop new methods of raising animals and growing crops, and try them out on experimental farms and nurseries. They usually specialise in one area such as soil, crops, animals or farm produce.

The Work

You could be:

• carrying out tests, collecting information, analysing results and writing reports
• doing research into animal diseases, pest control, or the use of chemicals in farming
• researching better methods of growing crops
• assessing and improving the ways in which farm produce is handled and preserved
• investigating the benefits of introducing genetically modified (GM) crops
• meeting companies which produce seeds or chemicals for farming to talk about their products.

You could also be:

• working out better ways of breeding and keeping livestock
• developing new crops
• visiting farmers to give advice on improving their farming practices
• writing grant proposals for new research trials and reports on research outcomes.

Pay

The figures below are only a guide. Actual pay rates may vary, depending on:

• where you work
• the size of company or organisation you work for
• the demand for the job.

Salaries for qualified agricultural scientists tend to be in the range of £17,000 to £22,000 a year. With experience, this can rise to over £28,000 to £35,000 a year.

Conditions

• You would work in an office or laboratory.
• You might teach in a college or university.
• You would also travel to visit farms and businesses.
• In most cases, you would work normal office hours, but in some cases you may have to work shifts or weekends.
• On farms you must sometimes wear protective clothing.

Useful Subjects

• Biology
• Chemistry
• Environmental Science

Getting In

• You would normally need a good degree (SCQF Levels 9-11) in agriculture or in another relevant science subject such as soil science or animal science. Other relevant degrees include biochemistry, biological sciences, biotechnology, ecology and chemistry.
• Entry requirements for a degree are 4-5 Highers. You will normally need passes in at least 1-2 maths or science subjects.
• For some jobs you need a postgraduate qualification.
• Postgraduate courses (SCQF Level 11) are available in Soil Science (University of Aberdeen) and Applied Poultry Science, Organic Farming and Soils and Sustainability (Scotland's Rural College (SRUC)).
• You usually need a driving licence.

You could work for a commercial company, college, university, a government agency or research centre such as Science and Advice for Scottish Agriculture (SASA).

Job Outlook Scotland

Job Outlook Scotland and UK

  Scotland

2024

3914

3.5 %

RISE

2029

4051

  United Kingdom

2024

45630

4.8 %

RISE

2029

47823

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What Does it Take?

You need to be:

• methodical
• accurate, and able to pay close attention to detail
• patient
• able to concentrate well
• a good organiser, to carry out and supervise research
• able to analyse and interpret data
• able to work in a team and individually.

You need to have:

• a keen interest in agriculture and the science and technology it is based based on
• a desire to improve the productivity and environmental impact of agricultural processes
• good IT skills
• excellent communication skills, both spoken and written.

Training

• You would train and gain experience on the job with an employer.
• You would attend a range of short courses and other training sessions relevant to the work you are doing.
• Depending on the specialism you work in you might do BASIS Registration training and qualifications (for the pesticide, fertiliser and allied industries) or you could undergo training for the Fertiliser Advisers Certificate and Training Scheme (FACTS), which covers the crops, soil, air and water aspects of agriculture.
• If you do not already hold a postgraduate qualification, you could study for one part time while you are working, for example, at a research institute.

Getting On

• With experience you may move up to a senior scientific job or to a senior teaching job in college or university.
• You may do a PhD and specialise in research.
• In some cases in order to gain promotion, you may have to move to different parts of the country.
• There are opportunities to work abroad.

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Contacts

The following organisations may be able to provide further information.