Knowledge Transfer Associate in Agricultural Data System Development

This is an exciting opportunity to steer a collaborative Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the University of Reading and Pasture for Life (PfL), an organisation whose mission is to facilitate the transition to pasture fed livestock farming in order to improve biodiversity, carbon sequestration, human health and wellbeing, as well as animal health and welfare.

We are seeking a motivated and adaptable Knowledge Transfer Associate to lead the development of an Integrated Data System (IDS) for Pasture for Life. This IDS will facilitate collation of on-farm data and harness AI to record, benchmark and communicate the impacts arising from the adoption of regenerative farming practices against environmental, social and economic criteria.

In this role, you will collaborate with industry experts in regenerative farming and academic experts in sustainability assessment, as well as AI at the University of Reading to ensure the IDS aligns with cutting-edge practices in tech development and sustainability assessment. Your work will involve:

● Reviewing holistic sustainability assessment tools and recent Pasture for Life project outcomes.
● Identifying IDS needs and requirements, based on stakeholder workshops and review exploring the integration of sustainability assessment methods, metrics, and standards.
● Development and evaluation of initial IDS, through adaptation of an existing holistic sustainability assessment frameworks.
● Development of strategy for implementing the IDS
● Consolidation and documentation of processes, procedures and methodologies, supporting materials and outputs.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to expand your technical expertise, develop knowledge of holistic sustainability assessment in agri-food systems, build a robust stakeholder network, and gain exposure to a wide array of food system challenges. You’ll also have the chance to shape your own research interests and skills in alignment with the goals of PfL.

This position forms part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) programme which is part funded by Innovate UK. It’s essential you understand how the KTP works with business and the University, and the vital role you will play if you successfully secure the Associate position. Find out more by visiting: https://iuk-ktp.org.uk/

The appointed candidate will have access to a dedicated £4,000 training budget tailored towards their personal development, access to leading research infrastructure and supervision from a leading academic research team from Reading University and Pasture for Life.

This position is initially for a 24 month fixed term contract, employed by University of Reading, but working day-to-day within PfL, where you will be immersed in a dynamic, mission-driven environment and supported through professional development opportunities, including training, conferences, farm based events, webinars, and seminars. The post holder will be able to work remotely, with in person meetings held at Colstrope Farm, a PfL farm near the University of Reading located at Colstrope Lane, Hambleden, Henley-on-Thames, Buckinghamshire, RG9 6SL, England, as well as occasional travel to the University of Reading.

To develop an Integrated Data System (IDS) delivering actionable insights to enhance carbon removal, water management and biodiversity recovery for UK farms.