Field scientist shifted base to southern tip (7)
I believe the answer is:
pasture
'field' is the definition.
(thesaurus)
I can't explain the rest of the clue.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pasture that I've seen before include "Field suitable for grazing" , "Grass for grazing" , "Grassland" , "Stock holder, perhaps" , "Meadow" .)