Full Time, Permanent The closing date for applications is 23.59 on 17 th October 2025 Interviews will be held: 11 th December 2025 The University of Reading is internationally recognised for excellence in agriculture, food and environmental research. Ranked in the QS global top 20 for Agriculture and Forestry and named Sustainable University of the Year 2025, Reading is now embarking on one of the most ambitious programmes in its history: Agrifood Futures. Agrifood Futures is a bold research and innovation strategy that will transform the way we produce, consume and think about food as we move towards 2050. At its heart are three interconnected Priority Research Areas, each shaped to deliver long-term, challenge-led programmes of research and innovation: A resilient food system for everyone Farming systems that work with nature and our climate Food that nourishes people and the planet These Areas will be supported by significant new enabling investments including a state-of-the-art innovation farm, advanced food processing facilities, and a participatory platform for nutrition and consumer behaviour. To launch this strategy, the University is establishing a world-class leadership team of five senior appointments: Agrifood Futures Director a professorial role providing visionary leadership for the overall strategy, driving the design and delivery of major infrastructure, partnerships and impact. Director, Resilient Food Systems a professorial role leading research that empowers stakeholders to understand, mitigate and adapt to risks and shocks in the global agrifood system, ensuring resilience for the future. Director, Sustainable Farming Systems a professorial role driving transformative research in farming practices that work with nature and climate, delivering sustainable production alongside environmental and biodiversity gains. Director, Healthy Sustainable Foods a professorial role leading the transformation towards diets that are healthy, sustainable, desirable and accessible, supported by cutting-edge food processing and consumer-focused research. Head of Strategic Partnerships and Investments a professional services role forging transformative partnerships across industry, government and global stakeholders, and securing major co-investments to deliver the strategy at scale. As Director of Healthy Sustainable Foods, you will lead pioneering research at the interface of food, nutrition and sustainability. Your role will be to drive the transformation towards diets that are both healthy and sustainable, while also being desirable and accessible for consumers worldwide. Working with industry partners, policymakers and communities, you will shape the academic vision for major new facilities, including advanced food processing infrastructure and a participatory consumer research platform. As a member of the Agrifood Futures leadership team, you will foster an interdisciplinary research culture, build influential partnerships nationally and internationally, and secure substantial external funding to accelerate innovation and impact. The successful candidate will: Be an internationally recognised leader in food and nutritional sciences or a closely related field, with a proven record of world-class research and significant external funding Bring experience of building and leading interdisciplinary collaborations, as well as influencing policy, practice or innovation at the highest levels. Have the intellectual agility, strategic vision and ability to inspire and engage diverse stakeholders across academic, government and industry. For more information, please contact: Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the University of Reading on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference IBVXA. Alternatively email Belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Friday 17 th October. 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.