UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN JOB DESCRIPTION

Transcription

1 UNIVRSITY OF LINCOLN JOB DSCRIPTION JOB TITL DPARTMNT LOCATION Research Assistant in Agriculture and Water (Catchment Officer) Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology (LIAT) Riseholme JOB NUMBR COS436 GRAD 6 DAT 12 July 2017 RPORTS TO Principal Investigator Mrs Isobel Wright CONTXT Part of the University of Lincoln, the Lincoln Institute for Agri-Food Technology aims to support and enhance productivity, efficiency and sustainability in food and farming through research, education and technology. We have recently won funding through an U wide H2020 research bid to work with partners and farmers on a project to better understand the links between agricultural diffuse pollution and drinking water quality. We require a graduate/post graduate to help deliver this exciting and interesting opportunity. This post is crucial to the success of the LIAT contribution to the project. The post holder will work as part of small team from within the university and within the agricultural and water industry which is focussed on the project. Tasks include a thorough review of measures currently available across north western urope to help reduce pollution, a case study of particular measures of interest in the Anglian Water region and working on three particular case study areas in Lincolnshire. The work will use a range of techniques to including literature reviews, surveys, in-depth interactions and focus groups. The target groups will be farmers and land managers, but also include key influencers such as agronomists, farm advisors, industry groups such as farmers unions, stewardship groups, water industry and Government Bodies such as Natural ngland and nvironment Agency. This project is being jointly delivered with RSK ADAS Ltd and working in conjunction with Anglian Water agricultural advisers Having proven knowledge of the agricultural sector with excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, the post holder will actively develop strong working relationships across a network of farmers, technical advisors, suppliers, local authorities, NGOs and communities. The position is a 2 years fixed term contract, or by agreement could be part time over a longer period. The post holder will work with the team based at the Riseholme campus just Page 1 of 5

2 north of Lincoln. Part of the work is field based, and so the post holder will need the ability to travel to sites and other campuses. Whilst there is a technical element to the role, clear confident communication skills are important and the post holder will need to demonstrate relationship building skills and have excellent communication, organisation and record keeping skills. There is the potential within the project to contribute to research outputs and there may be scope to obtain further relevant qualifications. JOB PURPOS The post holder is responsible for conducting research and collaboration on the project, as directed by the Principal Investigator and thereafter compiling reports and disseminating findings and information. Page 2 of 5

3 KY RSPONSIBILITIS Implementation of Field Trials, advice and literature surveys Key responsibilities will include the delivery of relevant agricultural support on-farm, development and delivery of behavioural change initiatives, implementation of field trials and investigations of new technologies to support sustainable food production whilst maintaining the provision of safe, clean drinking water. To undertake literature surveys and other investigations of the state-of-the-art and to prepare reports as required. Research To perform specified research under the direction and with advice from the Principal Investigator, to generate original knowledge, contribute to decisions about research direction, and to prepare reports on results, as required. Plan own day-to-day research activity within the context of the required research programme, exhibiting a high degree of autonomy. Contribute to the production of research outputs, including software, reports, papers and other publications, and preparation for and presentation at international research conferences. Liaison and Networking Liaise with internal and external collaborators, and with colleagues, maintaining positive and effective working relationships; this may include liaison with senior personnel in other organisations including collaborators, sponsors and clients. Participate in internal research activities, including seminars, research meetings and continuous professional development activities. Participate in presentations and information sharing events during the project and at the conclusion to share findings Teaching Support If required, engage in occasional teaching support activities, up to a maximum of three hours per week. Qualifications Where appropriate and agreed, register for and undertake additional training/qualifications In addition to the above, undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested and that are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post. Page 3 of 5

4 ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Internal Key working relationships/networks xternal Principal Investigator Director of LIAT and team members Other staff within the University to include colleagues in Research and nterprise. Research collaborators on an international, national and local level Local farmers and land managers Key influencers Industry Groups Project partners, to include Anglian Water, nvironment Agency, Natural ngland, ADAS/RSK Ltd Research and Academic Institutions Research Funding Bodies Page 4 of 5

5 UNIVRSITY OF LINCOLN PRSON SPCIFICATION JOB TITL Research Assistant Agriculture and Water JOB NUMBR COS436 Selection Criteria ssential () or Desirable (D) Where videnced Application (A) Interview (I) Presentation (P) References (R) Qualifications: Honours degree in relevant subject (1 st, 2.1 or equivalent), and/or Masters degree A xperience: Ideally you will have an agricultural/ land management background D Some experience of relevant research methods D xperience of working both collaboratively and with autonomy xperience of working with external stakeholders xperience of working with agricultural businesses. D xperience of experimental methods specific to project area Skills and Knowledge: Knowledge specific to project outcomes D Strong technical skills alongside proven track record Ability to conduct original research in the subject area D xcellent written communication, including the ability to write reports and research outputs Ability to prioritise own workload and work to specified deadlines under pressure Ability to communicate complex subjects to external stakeholders, farmers and interested organisations Competencies and Personal Attributes: Flexible approach to workload I Ability to work on own and as part of a team nthusiasm and commitment I Full valid driving licence I ssential Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. D Author IW HRBP HR Page 5 of 5