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.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual to manage the hub on a full-time basis on a fixed-term contract for up to 5 years.

The main duties and responsibilities of the Hub Manager will include to:

• Take ownership of the day to day hub management
• Lead in the co-ordination and organisation of events, such as hub management meetings, steering committee meetings, workshops, sandpit events and conferences, ensuring timely preparation and distribution of agendas and minutes. Coordinate and direct early career researchers who volunteer to assist in organisation of hub events
• Develop strategies to build membership and maintain member engagement  in the hub’s activities
• Develop and manage INFORM’s database of members
• Working alongside a Knowledge Exchange Fellow to maintain & develop effective strategies for communicating the hub’s activities to relevant external organisations
• Produce an engaging electronic Newsletter every 6 months covering the hub’s activities and achievements
• Lead engagement and provide direct liaison with the funder (BBSRC) to seek approval for funding decisions, changes in spending strategy and planned activities
• Manage the hub’s budget, being responsible for funding distribution following funding calls from the impact funding account, whilst also managing the spend associated with the hubs activities.

  The hub manager will have

• Excellent planning and time management skills
• Excellent communication skills
• BSc in Biological or relevant Science
• Knowledge of project management
• Experience of managing scientific network activities
• Event planning skills
• Budget management

Interview date: 21/02/2023

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.​​​​​​​