Programme Director for Agricultural Field Research

We are seeking an experienced researcher to lead and develop a programme for infrastructure related to agricultural field research. The programme is newly established with the aim of strengthening applied agricultural research and increasing its impact on society. Infrastructure for agricultural field research is essential for SLU to continue being a leading source of knowledge and a collaborative partner within academia and for external stakeholders in agricultural research. High-quality research, teaching, and practice, strongly linked to field research, contribute to sustainable food production for future generations and form the basis for the development of Swedish agriculture. The infrastructure included in the programme is currently well-functioning and includes three field research stations (Lanna, Röbäcksdalen, and Lövsta), a contact and collaboration body between SLU researchers and external stakeholders for applied field research in agriculture (SLU Fältforsk), coordination of approximately 60 agricultural long-term experiments, performance and value testing of agricultural crops in Sweden, and a bioclimatic station. Additional activities may be incorporated into the programme. The programme is expected to contribute to: • Strengthening applied agricultural research and increasing its impact on society. • Common and quality-assured routines for data management that enhance the accessibility and use of data for research and teaching. • Coordination between different parts of the field research organization. • Improved capacity to lead or participate as a partner in applications, including international collaborations. • Providing necessary competences. • Better utilization of the climatic differences between our field research stations in research. Duties The main task of the Programme Director is to ensure that the programme’s purpose and overarching goals are achieved. The work should be done in collaboration with the included units, with the support of a steering group and with help of existing support functions at SLU (such as Data Management Support for data management). The task includes planning resources and working towards a good and harmonized standard for data management, equipment, and methods between the field research stations and other units within the programme. Additionally, the Programme Director is responsible for initiating and implementing activities that will generate added value with the programme. Specifically, the Programme Director should: • Compile an operational plan for the programme, including annual and long-term sections. • Implement activities outlined in the operational plan as well as initiatives beyond the plan to achieve the programme’s aims and objectives. • Submit budget and operational plans to the steering group. • Chair the committee for SLU Agricultural Long-term Experiments. • Chair the technical committee for the field research stations (newly established). • Propose the programme’s budget to the Dean and report on the activities annually. Qualifications The applicant must meet the following qualification requirements: • A Ph.D. or equivalent scientific competence. • Scientific competence in a field relevant to agricultural field research. • Ability to lead and develop research. • Ability to compete for external research funding. • Good knowledge of the use of field experiments to address scientific questions. • Good knowledge of data management. • Documented experience of collaborations outside academia. • Good knowledge of agriculture relevant to Swedish conditions. • Good knowledge of English. The position involves extensive contact both within and outside SLU, and the applicant’s personal qualities in terms of communication and collaboration skills are therefore of decisive importance. We also place great emphasis on accuracy and the ability to work in a structured manner.   Read more about our benefits and working at SLU here. Location: Uppsala or at another SLU location by agreement Form of employment: Applicants outside SLU will be offered a full-time permanent position, while applicants already employed at SLU will be assigned a multi-year, fixed-term assignment with the possibility of extension. SLU may use probationary employment. Scope: The scope of the Programme Director role will be determined in consultation with the incoming Programme Director and can be up to 100%. The role can be combined with research and teaching. Start date: By agreement. Application: It is preferable that the application is written in English, as applications may be reviewed by individuals who do not speak Swedish as their native language. Please submit your application before deadline 2 September 2024. You can submit your application by clicking the button below. Union representatives: https://internt.slu.se/en/my-employment/employee-associations/kontaktpersoner-vid-rekrytering/   The Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU) has a key role in the development for sustainable life, based on science and education. Through our focus on the interaction between humans, animals and ecosystems and the responsible use of natural resources, we contribute to sustainable societal development and good living conditions on our planet. Our main campuses are located in Alnarp, Umeå and Uppsala, however, the university also operates at research stations, experimental forests and teaching sites throughout Sweden. SLU has around 3,000 employees, 5,000 students and doctoral students and a turnover of over SEK 3 billion. We are investing in attractive environments on all of our campuses. We strive to provide a work environment characterised by inclusivity and gender equality, where different experiences generate conversations between people and pave the way for science, creativity and development. Therefore, we welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and perspectives.