Job Description

Advert

Secondary & Tertiary Education
Orkney College UHI

Director of the Agronomy Institute

35 hours per week (Monday - Friday)
Permanent
\xc2\xa356,071 / \xc2\xa330.80 per hour (including Distant Islands Allowance)

We are looking for a dynamic leader for our Agronomy Institute. You should have a passion for research around plants and plant-based products and will bring a clear vision to develop and build a strategy for the future.

Set in the beautiful Orkney Islands, where agriculture is one of the top employment sectors, the Agronomy Institute has a successful track record of plant research and commercial collaboration across the Highlands and Islands. The Institute delivers significant benefits to our communities, collaborating with a wide range of industrial partners to develop innovative products and is currently involved in a proposal for a renewables-powered vertical farm on Orkney, funded as part of the Islands Growth Deal.

Following the retirement of the current Director, we are looking for someone to build on this success. This is an exciting opportunity to shape the future direction of the Institute and further develop its work and profile. The Director will lead the strategic development of the Institute, working with industry and academic partners to ensure it stays at the forefront of developing sustainable practices and new markets for northern crops.

The Agronomy Institute is part of Orkney College UHI, which benefits from its dual status as a partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), wholly owned by Orkney Islands Council.

Orkney College UHI is a truly tertiary institute, offering learner pathways from schools work through to world and international class postgraduate research.

The successful candidate will have experience of research in a relevant area, and of income generation through grant funding and/or commercial partnership. They will also bring a clear vision for the future potential of the Agronomy Institute, and the leadership skills, drive and project management experience to realise that vision.

You must hold a PhD in relevant area and register with the GTCS as Lecturer or the requirement to gain full registration within 5 years of appointment.

You must be able to travel in the UK and abroad as necessary to undertake the role and to travel efficiently and effectively between various work locations within Orkney to meet the operational requirements of the Service.

This post is subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme in respect of regulated work with children.

For more information on the Agronomy Institute, please visit: Agronomy Institute (uhi.ac.uk)

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Jane Partridge, Service Manager, Secondary and Tertiary Education on 01856 873535 extension 2419 or email

It is anticipated that interviews will take place in person on Thursday 7 September 2023.

Closing Date: Sunday 13 August 2023

Please note that interview and relocation expenses will be paid for this post, in accordance with Council policy.

Orkney Islands Council