Are you an ambitious and enthusiastic innovator looking for your next challenge? Would you like the opportunity to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team of academics and industrialists including biologists, environmental and atmospheric scientists, systems modellers, engineers, computer scientists and data analysts? Are you interested in tackling real-world challenges related to the agri-environment system?  Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading enterprising, research intensive Universities?

The University of Leeds’ Smart Agri-Systems strategic research and innovation initiative uses industry-focussed, systems-based approaches to provide innovative solutions for a smarter farming future. The initiative draws on knowledge, skills and expertise across the Global Food and Environment Institute, the University Themes (Food, Water, Climate, Data, Energy) and Faculties to provide innovative solutions to industry-facing challenges. We are now looking for an Innovation/ Senior Innovation Fellow to support the delivery of our vision and mission objectives in industry-facing research and innovation, including the development of industry-facing, entrepreneurial academic roles at the University.

You will have a broad background in agricultural systems and innovation, and/or technological systems development, validation, and implementation in the agri-food sector. You will act as an innovation developer and consultant, working with a broad spectrum of academic and industry partners to develop solutions and conduct innovation projects to meet their needs and measure performance improvements. In parallel, you will work with the Academic Director of Smart Agri-Systems, the Director of the Global Food and Environment, and the Dean for Interdisciplinary Research to enhance the culture for innovation and enterprise more broadly across the University.

You will need an educational background in agriculture, agri-environment or agri-technology, and industrial experience in agri-technology innovation, agri-environmental consultancy, or an allied discipline.  

The University of Leeds and the Faculty of Biological Sciences are committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offer a range of family friendly policies. The University is a charter member of Athena SWAN (the national body that promotes gender equality in higher education), and the Faculty of Biological Sciences was reawarded a Bronze award in 2017.  We are proud to be an inclusive Faculty that values all staff, and are happy to consider job share applications and requests for flexible working arrangements from our employees. Our Athena SWAN webpage provides more information.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact:

Professor Lisa Collins, School of Biology 

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 35940, email: L.Collins@leeds.ac.uk 

Or 

Professor Steve Banwart, School of Earth and Environment

Tel: +44 (0)113 343 3, email: S.A.Banwart@leeds.ac.uk

Location:     Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service:     Faculty of Biological Sciences
School/Institute:     School of Biology
Category:     Research
Grade:     Grade 7 to Grade 8
Salary:     £33,797 to £49,553 p.a.
Grade 7 (£33,797- £40,322 p.a.) or Grade 8 (£41,526 - £49,553 p.a.)
Working Time:     100% Job sharing and flexible working arrangements can be considered
Post Type:     Full Time
Contract Type:     Fixed Term (24 months due to external funding)
Release Date:     Tuesday 22 October 2019
Closing Date:     Thursday 21 November 2019
Downloads:     Candidate Brief