Professor and Associate Director, Research and Knowledge Exchange

The Natural Resources Institute is a specialist research, knowledge exchange and postgraduate training unit based at the University of Greenwich’s Medway Campus. The Institute has a strong history of innovative research to address global challenges related to agriculture and food security. The unique diversity of disciplines across NRI’s three departments provides opportunities for transdisciplinary and systems research relevant to tackling the complexity of contemporary and emerging global agriculture, biodiversity, food security, food system and one-health challenges. 

We seek applications for two strategic leadership roles in NRI, namely:

A Professor and Associate Director for Research and Knowledge Exchange, responsible for developing and leading the implementation of NRI’s impactful and high-quality research and knowledge exchange (RKE) in line with the strategy of the Natural Resources Institute/University of Greenwich. An Associate Director for Business Development, responsible for leading NRI’s business development initiatives and unit to develop and nurture a sustainable and diverse portfolio of activities related to research, knowledge exchange/enterprise and business innovation to achieve NRI’s strategic plan in ways that support our values. 

These senior leadership roles are pivotal in aligning our efforts with the Sustainable Development Goals focusing on sustainable land management, food security, and social equity. The successful candidates should be capable of leading and managing a diverse group of researchers and research infrastructure including licenced glasshouses designed for climate change research, an insectary, cutting-edge chemistry, microbiology and molecular biology and microbiology laboratories, a high-tech food innovation laboratory, food microbiology and food science facilities as well as access to high-performance computing facilities. Our strong and established network of global partners in the developing world provides unique opportunities for context-relevant research in challenging, real-world contexts. 

For an informal discussion about the post please contact NRI’s Director, Professor Sheryl Hendriks at s.l.hendriks@greenwich.ac.uk. 

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

Academic Career Pathways

We are committed to building a strong, diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We particularly encourage applications from diverse and underrepresented communities who can help the university to achieve its mission 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.

 

 

Closing Date: 09 May 2025

Department/Division: Senior Management

Salary: Conditional to Experience