We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The RoleDo you enjoy working collaboratively with diverse groups to find solutions that help rural places thrive? Are you energised by a fast-paced team environment: working flexibly across a wide variety of topics? Are you organised and detail-oriented, with a track record of turning plans into tangible outcomes for customers and communities?

The National Innovation Centre for Rural Enterprise (NICRE) is a national research and innovation centre working with a unique network of university, business, policy and rural community partners across the UK. NICRE brings together research, practical innovation and stakeholder engagement to support thriving rural economies and unlock the potential of rural enterprise.

NICRE is looking to appoint an enthusiastic and dedicated Rural Innovation Associate. Your main area of responsibility will be to facilitate activity for a variety of NICRE innovation projects in the North East of England and around the UK. Together with partners, these innovation projects in themes including, for example, energy efficiency, health, digital inclusion, housing, and transport, combine research and practice to catalyse new ways of thinking and support the development of new products, services and practices that provide tangible benefits to rural businesses and communities.

Your role will entail stimulating and delivering a portfolio of innovative pilot demonstration and consultancy projects as well as carrying out associated applied/action research, evaluation and evidence gathering. NICRE’s projects involve a range of partners from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors and involve learning through place- or sector-based interventions around key (societal) rural challenges. Part of your role will be to liaise with partners to complete existing projects and to generate ideas for, develop, seek funding for and take forward, new innovation projects.

You will also provide support for the development of business cases for funding and associated partnerships in support of the regional and national work of NICRE.

We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment and we would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible and/or blended working.

This post is full-time, offered on a fixed-term contract to 31 July 2027.

For informal enquires please contact: Sarah Best, NICRE Delivery Manager at sara.best@newcastle.ac.uk and Melanie Thompson-Glen, NICRE Head of Business and Innovation at melanie.thompson-glen@newcastle.ac.uk.