The University of Reading in collaboration with the University of Leeds have been awarded funding from BBSRC to lead an Interactive Research Hub “INvestigating the role of Functional fOod and beveRages to IMprove health and recovery (INFORM)” as part of a BBSRC call for Open Research Innovation Clubs Research Hubs. The hub will run for 5 years and will establish a network of academic experts and industrial stakeholders capable of providing thought leadership on how probiotics, prebiotics and plant stanols may be best used to improve mental wellbeing, sports performance, and recovery from exercise, stress and illness.
The person we are seeking for this role will work to identify opportunities for knowledge exchange and drive impact from the INFORM hub. An understanding of functional foods research, policy and market trends is essential to help the consortium anticipate and predict developments and shape future policy. The role holder should develop collaborative relationships with stakeholders and sectors relevant to functional foods within UK, including those responsible for policy shaping and setting. It is anticipated that much of the early activity will be based around nurturing relationships between academia and industry to build collaborations likely to lead to hub relevant activities/funding bids. Communication of hub activities and strategy development are key to this position to promote the hubs activities and develop impact from outputs.
It is expected that the Knowledge Exchange Fellow will be a highly motivated and results driven professional, with a science/technology background and excellent communication, organisation and planning skills. The Knowledge Exchange Fellow will be supported by the infrastructure of Universities of Reading and Leeds. The position is Full time at the University of Reading. Given the nature of the work and the requirement to support projects based around the UK, it is expected that the post holder will undertake a considerable amount of travel.
You will have
- Excellent planning and time management skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Good IT skills
- Good interpersonal skills with an ability to work co-operatively in a multidisciplinary setting at all levels across universities and with external organisations
- BSc in Biological or relevant science
- Demonstrable understanding of knowledge exchange theory and practice
- Understanding of functional foods, surrounding policy and the key market players
- Experience of planning and delivering knowledge exchange activities in relation to an academic area
Interview date: 21/02/2023
Informal contact details | Alternative informal contact details |
Contact role: | Principal Investigator | Contact role: | Professor of Food Microbiology |
Contact name: | Gemma Walton | Contact name: | Glenn Gibson |
Contact phone: | 0118 378 6652 | Contact phone: |
|
Contact email: | g.e.walton@reading.ac.uk | Contact email: | g.r.gibson@reading.ac.uk |
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 is a Diversity Champion for Stonewall, the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.