Beef & Lamb Placement Opportunity (Supported by Stapledon Trust)

Placement opportunity with AHDB, supported by the Stapledon Memorial Trust – approximately two–three-month period

AHDB and the Stapledon Memorial Trust are working together to award a bursary to a candidate wishing to gain work experience in either applied grassland management for ruminants or to further an area of grassland research with a focus on ruminants.

This will be a two–three-month placement with AHDB, dependent on availability and timing, with the funding being provided by the Stapledon Trust. Additional time frames could be considered, dependent on availability.

This is a unique opportunity to gain invaluable experience from industry experts within AHDB, where you will be mentored by key staff who are on the frontline of working with and for our levy payers.

Applications are welcome from graduates with a relevant agricultural qualification and/or applicants already working in the industry who have a specific interest in agricultural grassland management or research, ideally with demonstrable experience in the beef and sheep sectors.

A bursary to a maximum of £9,000 will be supplied by the Stapledon Trust, which will cover daily living expenses plus exceptional travel and accommodation expenses as required during the placement, as well as any PPE/computer equipment needed.

The Stapledon Memorial Trustprovides awards to both individuals and organisations on all aspects of grassland use, including the production, amenity, social, economic and environmental implications (stapledontrust.com).

Department
Beef & Lamb Engagement
Work Base
Hybrid
Location
England
Salary Range
Non-salaried position (bursary available - upto £9,000, approximately 2/3 month period)
Total Hours (per week)
Flexible
Closing Date
15/06/2026

Essential Criteria

  • A degree in agriculture and/or current employment within the agricultural industry
  • A demonstrable interest in grassland management or agricultural research, ideally supported by experience within the beef and/or sheep sectors
  • A full UK driving licence and the flexibility to travel extensively across England as part of the placement, including working in different regions on a weekly basis
  • Ability to work flexibly, combining field‑based activity, online meetings and home working as required
  • Willingness to attend occasional meetings at AHDB headquarters in Coventry, noting the role will not be permanently based there

How to apply

Please apply with your CV, outlining your experience, education and qualifications, together with a covering letter of no more than 1,000 words explaining your motivation for applying for this placement, including:

  • Your objectives for the placement
  • How the outcomes of your work will benefit the farming industry, particularly applied grassland management for beef and sheep systems, or how your grassland research will deliver practical industry value
  • How the placement will contribute to your professional development or research capability

Shortlisted candidates will take part in a two-stage interview process, starting with an initial online interview followed by a second-stage, in-person interview.

If you would like to discuss the proposal further and gain more information, please contact:

Lynn Briggs (E: lynn.briggs@ahdb.org.uk – M: 07710 203088) or Mike Steele (E: mike.steelesmt@yahoo.com)

References will be required as part of the application process.

At AHDB, we are committed to developing, maintaining and supporting a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion, to include flexible working opportunities. This applies to both our workforce and the practices we follow.

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