Postdoctoral Research Assistant

Each year, a substantial amount of food is wasted along the food chain, from primary production to consumption. The EU-funded FOLOU research project aims to help EU food systems move towards more sustainable, resilient, healthy and inclusive approaches based on state-of-the-art knowledge and evidence-based methodologies that can prevent food losses at the primary production stage. This post will lead the set up of a Learning Centre for Food Losses at the primary production stage.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development at the University of Reading (16th in the World QS world rankings for Agriculture), and to collaborate with internationally leading researchers from across Europe. The FOLOU project involves 16 EU partners and the University of Reading is leading a Work Package to build the project’s educational resource base.

The post will involve developing a learning framework that will underpin the Learning Centre. This will be based on an existing framework that will be modified following a stakeholder needs assessment and a literature review. The post will then involve the development and implementation of five training and capacity building courses in collaboration with project partners.

The applicant should have:

• A PhD in biology, agriculture, food science, education or similar
• Experience of knowledge exchange activities and ability to summarise scientific information for a general audience
• Have some experience/knowledge of food systems and/or agriculture
• Experience or strong interest in learning material development
• A track record in research and scientific paper writing
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage relationships with groups of stakeholders

Interview date: 01/03/2024

Informal contact details

Contact role: Principal Investigator
Contact name: Prof Julian Park
Contact phone: +44-118-378-6686
Contact email: [email protected]

Alternative informal contact details

Contact role: Co-Investigator
Contact name: Dr Alice Mauchline
Contact phone: +44-118-378-3327
Contact email: [email protected]

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants should ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement under the PBS. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website .

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.