INTERNATIONAL turf research company STRI has launched a global recruitment drive to boost its team of experts in the UK and overseas.

The Harden-based organisation is looking to hire qualified people for various specialist positions, including agronomists, ecologists, environmentalists, sports surface technical and research managers.

While most of the roles require Phd or MSc qualified people, two junior positions are open to candidates with a relevant BSc degree.

Most of the seven new roles will be UK-based but STRI also needs experienced staff in its rapidly expanding Aspire Sports Turf operation in Doha and its newly formed business in China.

This year the firm announced a strategic partnership with the Doha body to establish a centre of excellence for natural sports turf research and development.

Over the past five years, STRI has reinforced its leading position in the sports surface sector with significant investment, including the development of new research facilities in Australia and Qatar and the launch of design and consultancy hubs in Asia-Pacific and the Middle East.

In July STRI clinched a breakthrough deal for its technical experts to help develop and maintain thousands of soccer pitches in China.

The company signed a memorandum of understanding with Beijing iRENA Group and Shanghai KeHua Sports Promotional Co to improve football pitches across China. STRI is working alongside the Chinese businesses, as it plans to expand across the Far East.

Lee Penrose, group director, said: “This is a brilliant opportunity to work for the world’s leading sports surface business during a period of rapid global expansion.

“We want to strengthen the talent pool in all our offices so we can continue to offer our high-quality services to a wider variety of clients, across a range of sport and amenity sectors

“This is an exciting period of growth for STRI and I’m looking forward to welcoming more new members of staff in 2017.”