Lecturer/Associate Professor of Biodiversity, Future Food Systems and Health Full-time

Lecturer/Associate Professor of Biodiversity, Future Food Systems and Health

The Division of Biosciences at UCL is a major centre for research and teaching in the biological sciences, fostering curiosity-driven research that spans molecules to ecosystems. Within Biosciences, the Research Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment (GEE) provides a world-leading environment for research and teaching across evolution, human genetics, healthy ageing, biodiversity and computational biology. We are recruiting a Lecturer (Assistant Professor equivalent) or Associate Professor in Biodiversity, Future Food Systems and Health to strengthen GEE's capacity in in ecosystems, food systems and health, supporting the support the growth of the Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research's People and Nature Lab at UCL East.

Environmental change, biodiversity loss and food-system instability are creating new challenges for ecosystem, animal and human health. Yet the dynamics linking these processes remain poorly understood across natural, urban and managed systems, limiting our ability to predict risk and design effective interventions. To address this, GEE seeks to appoint a new academic colleague to build an ambitious research and teaching programme at the interface of biodiversity, ecosystems, food systems and health.

Based at the People and Nature Lab at UCL East, the successful candidate will develop experimental, place-based and/or quantitative approaches to understand how ecological systems can support resilience, sustainability and health across urban, natural and managed settings. This may include work on plant, pollinator, microbial or environmental health; ecological interactions and intervention; environmental monitoring and surveillance; or predictive and quantitative approaches to One Health. The post offers opportunities to use new state-of-the-art greenhouse, vertical farming and pollinator facilities at UCL East, alongside wider opportunities for field-based, urban and community-engaged research.

The successful candidate will establish (Grade 8) or expand (Grade 9) an independent, collaborative research programme within GEE with opportunities to contribute to a distinctive living lab environment at UCL East, and work across UCL with colleagues in computer science, geography, and health. We also welcome exceptional candidates working at the broader One Health interface, including those whose research links to wider strengths across GEE. The post holder will be expected to secure competitive research funding, supervise and mentor postgraduate researchers, contribute to research-led teaching and develop external engagement with conservation organisations, policy bodies and other partners.

This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 60% on site. This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Academic Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies/2021/jun/conditions-service-academic-staff for more information.

For informal queries about the post, please contact Professor Ellousie Leadbeater (ellouise.leadbeater@ucl.ac.uk). If you require reasonable adjustments or an accessible application format, please contact the Faculty Human Resources team on fls.hr@ucl.ac.uk

Interviews will be held in September.

You will have a PhD or equivalent qualification in a relevant field and an innovative research agenda in biodiversity, future food systems and health, with clear potential to advance interdisciplinary One Health research. You will have experience of research-led teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level, with a strong interest in interdisciplinary working, external engagement and translational impact. You will also show the potential to build collaborative partnerships, attract research funding, and contribute to an inclusive and ambitious academic environment.

A full list of essential and desirable criteria is provided in the accompanying person specification at the bottom of this page with further details of how to apply

As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits such as:

• Salary (dependent on skills and experience) :Grade 8 – £54,931 – £62,903 inclusive of London allowance, Grade 9 – £68,284 – £74,166 inclusive of London allowance
• 41 Days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Hybrid working
• Final Salary Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Relocation scheme for certain posts
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption pay
• Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
• Discounted medical insurance.

Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more

As London's Global University, we know that diversity and inclusion are fundamental drivers of creativity, innovation, and excellence, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world's talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong, thrive, and reach our full potential. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL's workforce. These include people from Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.

Our department holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/.