Research Associate Agricultural Development and Climate Sevices
Job Description
Closing Date: 23:59 on 28th April 2025
Sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route may be available for this role, subject to meeting the points requirement based on the relevant SOC code. Applicants wishing to explore this option must ensure they meet the points criteria before applying. For more information, please refer to the UK Visas and Immigration website.
The International Development Department within the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development at the University of Reading is seeking to appoint a Research Associate (RA) in Agricultural Development and Climate Services. The RA will contribute to the Participatory Integrated Climate Services for Agriculture (PICSA) approach, an innovative agricultural development model currently in use in over thirty countries, benefitting millions of smallholder farmers across sub-Saharan Africa, Asia, the Caribbean, and Latin America. The RA will play a vital role in the PICSA research team, supporting research projects, training agricultural intermediaries, contributing to the development of innovative solutions, and assessing the impact of this approach on smallholder farmers.
Key Responsibilities:
Support research projects and contribute to the development of solutions for smallholder farmers.
Provide training for agricultural intermediaries.
Monitor and evaluate the impact of the PICSA approach.
Collaborate with university staff and international partners to advance research and development in agricultural climate services.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
A Master’s degree in a relevant field, such as Agricultural Development, Development Geography, or Climate Services.
Practical field experience working with smallholder farmers in developing countries.
In-depth understanding of smallholder farming systems in the developing world.
Experience using participatory research and training methods.
Strong writing skills, with the ability to contribute to academic publications.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build effective relationships both within the UK and internationally.
Strong organisational and planning skills, with a proven ability to complete tasks to a high standard.
The position is a one-year fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension depending on funding. The anticipated start date is June 2025. Interviews are scheduled for 6th May 2025.
Contact Information:
Dr. Graham Clarkson, Senior Research Fellow – g.clarkson@reading.ac.uk
Prof. Peter Dorward, Professor of Agricultural Systems – p.t.dorward@reading.ac.uk
The University of Reading is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce. We support the Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality, the Race Equality Charter, and champion LGBT+ equality. As a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2), we encourage applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements, which will be considered based on business needs.
We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. For existing staff members, this role may be available on a seconded basis, and internal candidates should discuss this option with their line manager before applying.
