Director, Resilient Food Systems

Job description

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Reading on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference IBVXB1. Alternatively email [email protected] . Applications should be received by noon on Wednesday 7 th October.

The University of Reading is internationally recognised for excellence in agriculture, food and environmental research. Ranked in the QS global top 20 for Agriculture and Forestry, Reading is now embarking on one of the most ambitious programmes in its history: Agrifood Futures.

Agrifood Futures is a bold, whole-systems research and innovation strategy that will transform the way we produce, consume and think about food as we move towards 2050. At its core are three interconnected Priority Research Areas, each shaped to deliver long-term, challenge-led programmes of research and innovation:

1. A resilient food system for everyone
2. Farming systems that work with nature and our climate
3. Food that nourishes people and the planet

These are underpinned by significant new investments including a state-of-the-art integrated research and innovation farm, advanced food processing facilities, and a participatory platform for nutrition and consumer behaviour

Recruiting a world-class leadership team has represented a significant step change in the implementation of Agrifood Futures. Recruitment of the Agrifood Futures Team is well advanced, with most posts now in place.

We are now seeking to appoint the Professorial Director for the Resilient Food Systems Priority Research Area. The postholder will shape and lead a thriving interdisciplinary research environment focused on understanding and strengthening resilient food systems, drawing on the University's breadth of expertise while working closely with external partners.

The successful candidate will:

• Be an internationally recognised academic leader with a strong global reputation
• Demonstrate success in attracting funding, building influential networks and driving impact.
• Have the vision, ambition and passion to ensure that the University of Reading helps shape national and global agrifood agendas.

We are open to applicants from a range of disciplinary backgrounds as appropriate for delivering their vision of developing resilient food systems. This includes qualitative and quantitative research leaders from natural sciences, modelling, supply chain, economic, behavioural or urban/rural planning as examples. What will be key is the postholder's ability to bring disciplines together from within and outside the University of Reading, and to show how they are able to draw on the expertise in the other Priority Research Areas of Agrifood Futures to deliver a forward-looking approach to how food systems should evolve and transform over the coming decades.

The appointment will be for an initial term of 6 years with the opportunity to potentially renew, with an underlying permanent position as a Professor.

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website .

There may be costs associated with a visa application, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which are not paid for by the University of Reading and cannot be claimed back. For further information on potential costs please visit: Healthcare Surcharge Information GOV.UK

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. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs