"Network Manager of the Novel and Underutilised Crop Network"

An opportunity has arisen for a Network Manager to join the School of Biological Sciences, based at the University of Southampton. The successful candidate will support the Network leadership team to develop and manage a national network focussed on advancing UK research into Novel and Underutilised Crops.

Climate change could cost the UK billions annually, in part because of its effect on agriculture. Diversifying current farm practices is necessary for the UK to continue to grow nutritious food in a changing climate, without degrading biodiversity and being resilient to global shocks. Utilising novel and underutilised crops (NUCs) is one underexplored route to diversification. Identifying and overcoming barriers to their incorporation into the food system requires an extensive interdisciplinary team, which brings together representatives across the entire food system, from farmers, breeders, processors and retailers, via science to communities, ensuring the approaches explored present multiple best-net benefits for all involved, as well as the environment. This is the mission for NUCNet.

The aim of NUCNet is to build a vibrant, diverse, interdisciplinary UK-wide research community to advance the understanding of NUCs, especially by bringing together diverse stakeholders from academia, farming, crop breeding, consumers, retailers and charities. The goals of NUCNet are:

• (1) galvanise and connect the NUC research community with producers and diverse communities across the UK, generating an inclusive interdisciplinary network of expertise.
• (2) identify barriers and opportunities for incorporation of NUCs into the UK food system.
• (3) pump-prime small research projects and support teams to develop capacity leading to larger bids, adding value to the network and the BBSRC investment.
• (4) develop relationships between the network and community groups to allow knowledge exchange and to influence society and policy.

About you:

The post holder will be required to manage the daily operations of the Network, working collaboratively with Network partners and stakeholders. This includes those in the leadership team at the Universities of Southampton and Reading, the James Hutton Institute and NIAB as well as other members of the University of Southampton regarding communication, public policy, IT and finance. The Network Manager will be responsible for organising and managing national events to support networking and training. The role will also require the organisation and dissemination of funding calls from the Network and the processes required for their review. In addition, it will involve the monitoring and reporting of research projects, fellowships and training placements supported by the Network.

The role requires expertise in project management, event planning and reporting. The successful candidate should have experience working independently to manage and monitor budgets and financial processes and the ability to identify and communicate with stakeholders from diverse organisations. This 60% FTE (full-time equivalent) is offered for a fixed term for 36 months. The post will be aligned to the Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, School of Biological Sciences, Highfield campus. Hybrid working will be considered.

For further information please contact Professor Mark Chapman.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcome applicants who supports our mission of inclusivity.