Director, Agrifood Systems and Futures College of Experts

We are seeking a candidate who is proactive and has an enthusiastic approach to join us to establish the new Agrifood Systems and Futures College of Experts which is one strand of an ambitious long-term strategy for agriculture and food research at the University of Reading, addressing the challenges facing the global food systems of 2050.

The challenges facing the global agrifood system are hugely complex and our Agrifood Futures Strategy puts systems and futures methods at the heart of our approach.

Building on our existing strong track record of agrifood systems and futures research, we are establishing an Agrifood Systems and Futures College of Experts that will consolidate and further strengthen our capacity and leadership in this space and will be the focal point for transdisciplinary agrifood research at the University.

The ideal candidate will:

1. Have a proven track record of applying systems and futures research methods to address agrifood system challenges
2. Have a broad understanding of systems and futures approaches and enable the sharing of best practice with the wider University research community
3. Be able to provide expert technical advice and input to agrifood projects looking to use systems and futures approaches and play an instrumental role in shaping large funding bids (e.g. to UKRI, government and industry) that require a coherent framing to bring together the inputs of multiple disciplines.
4. Innovate in new systems and futures research methodologies to publish and/or enable others to publish in high-profile journals and apply these in case studies to develop real world impact.
5. Identify opportunities for training or any specific support required to drive the development of research capacity and leadership in agrifood systems and futures research. 

Contact Name: Professor Parveen Yaqoob
Contact Job Title: Pro-Vice Chancellor (Research and Innovation)
Contact Email address: p.yaqoob@reading.ac.uk

Contact Name: Professor Tom Oliver
Contact Job Title: Associate PVC Research (Environment)
Contact Email address: t.oliver@reading.ac.uk

Closing date: 06/01/2025

Interviews will be held:

• 24th January 2024

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying. We can also consider whether it would be possible to facilitate this opportunity as a secondment for external candidates, although a direct appointment is preferred.

Part time, fixed term for 3 years (there is a potential to facilitate the appointment as a secondment, for more information please contact Rachel Thorns, HR Partner)
Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. However, non-UK candidates who do not already have permission to work in the UK should note that by reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship will not be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Advert information