Associate Professor/Professor (Centre Lead) in Food Systems Research

Food and Markets

The Natural Resources Institute (NRI) of the University of Greenwich is currently expanding its transdisciplinary research excellence to address food security and nutrition.   This expansion reflects recent funding successes, including funded by Research England as part of their highly competitive “Expanding Excellence in England” scheme, the UK Food Systems Centre for Doctoral Training and, the development of the Medway Food Innovation Centre (MFIC) under the UKRI funded “Growing Kent & Medway” project.   

To drive this agenda, we are expanding NRI’s capacity for research on food systems at global, regional, and local levels, hence seeking to appoint a Professor/Associate Professor and research leader in Food Systems research.  The successful candidate will be expected to provide strategic research leadership and coordinate transdisciplinary research that addresses food systems-related issues. 

The role holder will be required to:

1. Lead transdisciplinary research in Food Systems supported by a long-term vision that aligned with the NRI’s and the University's strategy and core values.
2. Inspire and coordinate food systems research activities across disciplines, the Department, Research Centres, Institute and the University. 
3. Establish a long-term funding stream and partnership to support and grow this vision.
4. Provide management support to the UK Food Systems Centre for Doctoral Training. The CDT is contracted to run through to September 2027. https://foodsystems-cdt.ac.uk/ 

The candidate should have a proven record of attracting external research and other grants and the ability to add value to the NRI’s and the University’s strategic aims. The post holder is expected to have, and maintain, strong partner relationships at regional, national, and international levels. An outstanding, sustained, record of high-quality, internationally recognised, publication outputs is essential. The holder of this post will require experience with winning and leading the implementation of large multi-disciplinary and multi-stakeholder research projects with demonstrable global impact.

For an informal discussion about the post please contact Dr Nazanin Zand NZandFard@gre.ac.uk 

Should you have any recruitment related queries please contact the People Directorate Operations Team on peopleoperationsfes@gre.ac.uk 

Further details of the fantastic benefits and what we offer can be found here: Our benefits - what we offer | Jobs and careers | University of Greenwich and information on the university’s working principles: Working Principles and Guidelines | Documents | University of Greenwich

To apply, please visit the University of Greenwich vacancies page and complete all details, including the supporting statements (please note attached CVs and personal statements will not be seen by the recruitment panel at the application stage). Current Vacancies - Jobs at Greenwich 

Employment Visa: Under the UK Government Points Based System scheme this role does meet the criteria to be sponsored for a Skilled Worker Route application. 

We are looking for people who can help us deliver our mission of transforming lives through inspired teaching and research, through our values.

Academic Career Pathways

We are committed to building a strong, diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly encourage applications from [protected characteristic(s)], who are currently under-represented within the University of Greenwich at these levels/within these areas.

We do this through taking positive action such as encouraging applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic, disabled and LGBT+ people. As part of our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Time to Change Employer Pledge/Mentally Healthy Universities, we are committed to promoting and supporting the physical and mental health of all our staff, and removing barriers to improve inclusion. 

We encourage applicants to disclose experience of mental health problems so we can support them fully during our recruitment process and make any necessary reasonable adjustments. Any information disclosed will be kept confidential and separate from the job application form. 

We are making significant strides to understand and continuously improve our employees’ experience and we are committed to implementing progressive diversity talent management.