CWA International is a scientific consultancy providing technical advice to the maritime sector. The Food and Agricultural Commodities Department assists insurance companies in investigating the cause of damage to food and feed cargoes.

We are looking to recruit postgraduate and graduate biologists (or related fields) and/or experienced professionals who are energetic and motivated to apply their scientific knowledge to the international trade of food and agricultural commodities.

A background in agronomy, plant biology, plant pathology, crop protection, or pre- and postharvest biology, food science and technology, and/or a thorough understanding of the principles governing the bulk storage and transport of agricultural, food and feed cargoes would present an advantage.

Job role and requirements:

• On-site and remote investigations into the cause of loss and damage to consignments of food and agricultural commodities, including short notice overseas travel.
• Desk-based forensic review of documents and reporting.
• Advising on causation of damage to food and agricultural products, mitigation and loss prevention.
• Technical advice on the sampling of food and agricultural products and subsequent laboratory analysis.
• Advising on the handling and storage of food and agricultural products.
• Liaising with clients and laboratories regarding analysis of food and agricultural products.
• Assist with company business development through attendance at industry events, client seminars.
  

Personal specification:

• Flexibility and willingness to travel internationally at short notice (Previous experience of travelling or working overseas desirable but not essential). Our attendance work from London has included travel worldwide (Europe, North & South America, Africa, Asia). Our attendance work from Singapore has included regional travel (for example to China, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Myanmar and Vietnam) as well as further afield (UK, Uganda).
• Upper second or first class degree within the relevant scientific/ industry background (MSc or PhD desirable but not essential).
• Excellent organisational, communication and report writing skills.
• Analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Self-motivated, able to work independently and within a team.
• Ability to work to short deadlines.
• Physically fit and willing to work in industry surroundings.
• Additional language knowledge advantageous but not essential.
• Previous experience or knowledge of cargo claims handling industry, commodity inspection/ surveying, quality assurance, international trade and commodity logistics beneficial.

Successful applicants will need to combine a broad scientific knowledge with common sense to determine the cause of loss and damage, and to suggest potential remedial actions.

The position is full time in London or Singapore and will benefit from initial training and mentoring. Competitive salary to match experience with the benefit of an established productivity bonus scheme. Further information on the firm and its activities can be found on our website http://www.cwa.international

Selected applicants will undertake a remote aptitude test prior to being considered for interview. If interested, please apply including detailed cover letter and CV, current remuneration package and details of any notice period / availability by email (vacancies@cwa.international).