Knowledge Transfer Associate in Agricultural Data System Development
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a collaborative Knowledge Transfer Partnership between the University of Reading and Pasture for Life (PfL), an organization dedicated to facilitating the transition to pasture-fed livestock farming to improve biodiversity, carbon sequestration, human health, wellbeing, animal health, and welfare.
We seek a motivated and adaptable Knowledge Transfer Associate to develop an Integrated Data System (IDS) for Pasture for Life. This IDS will collate on-farm data and utilize AI to record, benchmark, and communicate impacts from regenerative farming practices against environmental, social, and economic criteria.
You will collaborate with industry experts in regenerative farming, academic experts in sustainability assessment, and AI specialists at the University of Reading to ensure the IDS aligns with cutting-edge practices. Your responsibilities include:
1. Reviewing holistic sustainability assessment tools and recent PfL project outcomes.
2. Identifying IDS needs through stakeholder workshops and reviews, exploring integration of sustainability metrics and standards.
3. Developing and evaluating an initial IDS by adapting existing sustainability assessment frameworks.
4. Formulating strategies for IDS implementation.
5. Documenting processes, procedures, methodologies, and supporting materials.
This role offers an excellent opportunity to expand technical expertise, deepen knowledge of holistic sustainability assessment in agri-food systems, build a stakeholder network, and shape your research interests aligned with PfL’s goals.
The position is part of the Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP) program, partly funded by Innovate UK. Understanding how KTP collaborates with business and academia is essential. More information can be found at: https://iuk-ktp.org.uk/
The successful candidate will have access to a £4,000 training budget, leading research infrastructure, and supervision from a top academic team at Reading University and PfL.
The initial contract is for 24 months, employed by the University of Reading, working primarily within PfL in a dynamic, mission-driven environment. Support includes professional development, training, conferences, farm events, webinars, and seminars. The role allows remote work, with meetings at Colstrope Farm near Reading and occasional travel to the university.
The goal is to develop an IDS providing actionable insights to enhance carbon removal, water management, and biodiversity recovery on UK farms.
About the organization
Pasture for Life (PfL) is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company with 1,500 members, including farmers, butchers, conservationists, and academics. Members benefit from networking, training, online learning, and discounts on various products and services.
PfL’s mission is to support livestock farmers in transitioning to agroecological practices through knowledge exchange, advocacy, research, and a certification scheme for 100% pasture-fed livestock.
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