Research Fellow in Regenerative Agriculture

Research Fellow in Regenerative Agriculture
Salary: Grade 7 (£39,105 – £46,485 p.a. depending on experience)

This role will be based on the university campus, with scope for it to be undertaken in a hybrid manner. We are also open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in farming systems research? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?

You will work as part of a team on the UKRI Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF) project ‘Transformations towards a Regenerative Food System’ (FixOurFood). FixOurFood is a multi-disciplinary, multi-institution collaborative project that has a vision to transform food systems across the UK towards being 'regenerative'. It features multiple simultaneous work packages that explore interventions in food retailing and farming to address issues such as childhood obesity, sustainability in agriculture and global warming.

The University of Leeds is leading on the Regenerative Farming work package and has set up a field trial at the University of Leeds research farm to demonstrate and measure the impacts of different transition strategies to regenerative agriculture. We have also built up a network of engaged farmers, agribusinesses and allied organisations who are returning each year to see how the trial develops and are keen to interact with the project and understand the results.

We need a Research Fellow to continue to run this trial – tracking farm operations and environmental variables such as soil health, greenhouse gas emissions, crop growth and yield, water quality, biodiversity and farm economics. You will also be responsible for analysing the data and dissemination of the results in a range of written formats and orally at farm events, workshops and conferences.

You will collaborate with our project partners at NIAB, who carry out the agricultural management of the trial, and Cranfield University to calculate the impacts of regenerative practices on whole-life cycle greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and to guide farming practices for long-term profitability and environmental sustainability. The results will enable the research team to identify Regenerative Farming practices that are most effective at reducing global warming whilst enhancing environmental and business value.

You will have a first degree in one of the following subjects; biological sciences, environmental science, ecology, geography, soil science or agriculture, and a PhD in sustainable agriculture, agri-environment or closely allied discipline.

You will work under the guidance of Professor Pippa Chapman, Dr Richard Grayson (School of Geography), Dr Ruth Wade (School of Biology) and Professor Lisa Collins (University of Surrey) to quantify the regenerative benefits of different farming practices. We will support you to develop your independence as a researcher through training and mentoring, whilst also providing opportunities to develop your grant writing skills.

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!

• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary

• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.

• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

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

Pippa Chapman, Professor of Biogeochemistry

Email: [email protected]

Ruth Wade, Lecturer in Sustainable Agriculture

Email: [email protected]

Closing Date: 09 Dec 2024

Section: Research

Salary: £39,105 to £46,485 per annum