Associate Professor in Food System Transformation

Interview date: 14th July 2025

Right to work: By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University of Reading’s School of Agriculture, Policy & Development seeks to appoint an Associate Professor in Food System Transformation in the Department of Agri-Food Economics & Marketing. The appointee will contribute to research and teaching in the area of agricultural and food business management, agricultural and food economics and related fields, with associated responsibilities relating to administration and outreach. We would be particularly interested to receive applications from candidates with a strong interest and knowledge of resilience in food systems and/or food supply chains.

The University has recently launched AgriFood Futures, a new ambitious research strategy for the period to 2050, supported by substantial investment on research leadership and facilities. The ability to engage with on-going research projects and the potential to attract research funding are important.

You will have:

• Ability to carry out high quality academic research
• A track record of significant and sustained academic publications and/or research impact
• Success in securing external research funding
• Good understanding of food systems, food supply chains, food policy and regulation
• Understanding of resilience of food systems and/or food supply chains in the face of shocks
• Excellent presentation and communication skills for teaching
• A track record of working in and contributing to a dynamic and high quality research environment
• Experience of teaching in Higher Education
• PhD or equivalent in a relevant area
• Fluent English and a high level of literacy

Contact details:
Contact Name Giacomo Zanello
Contact Job Title Head of Department, AFEM
Contact Email address g.zanello@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name Simon Mortimer
Alternative Contact Job Title Head of School, APD
Alternative Contact Email address s.r.mortimer@reading.ac.uk

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. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

Advert information