About the team: Dairy Research and Innovation Centre The Dairy Research and Innovation Centre conducts a wide range of activity to develop, implement and promote sustainable breeding and management systems for dairy cows. The work has been based at Crichton Royal Farm, Dumfries for almost 50 years and we will be moving to new and extended facilities at Barony campus (also near Dumfries) over the next few years. About the opportunity: Based in SRUC's Dairy Research & Innovation Centre in Dumfries and working with a wide range of project partners and stakeholders across South-West Scotland and Cumbria, the main purpose of this post is to promote, develop and manage activity at the two “Maker Space” / “Product Development Kitchen” developments within the exciting new Strength in Places Project “Digital Dairy Value-Chain for SW Scotland and Cumbria.” SRUC is leading this 5-year, £21.3 million project along with University of Strathclyde, University of the West of Scotland, CENSIS, First Milk Limited, Lactalis McLelland Limited, Kendal Nutricare Limited, Cows & Co Group Limited, National Milk Records PLC and SmartSTEMs. The appointee will work closely with staff of Appleby Creamery (Cows & Co) and Ayrshire Economic Forum, as well as a range of food processing businesses within the region. This will involve identifying and working to develop ideas and options with companies that would benefit from using Maker Space facilities for new product development and scaling up of production. The role will cover dairy products and the use of dairy as an ingredient in other foods and will also involve signposting other support available to expanding businesses. The postholder will be responsible for liaising with food processing industry stakeholders at a senior level, identifying their needs and aligning those with the development and operation of “Make Spaces” in Appleby and Kilmarnock. Contacts will include entrepreneurs, micro-businesses, SMEs and larger food and drink businesses across South-West Scotland and Cumbria. Minimum qualifications and experience: The ideal candidate will be educated to at least SCQF Level 9 in a relevant subject or have equivalent relevant experience. Further details of the requirements of the role can be found in the Job Particulars document. Admin ref: ASWF/DRC/009/24 Eligibility for Sponsorship: This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. If you are a migrant worker you will need to ensure you have appropriate qualifications, skills, experience and meet all the appropriate criteria necessary for sponsorship. Salary and benefits? Generous annual leave Enhanced pension contributions to contributory pension scheme Cycle to work scheme Discounted RAC Membership Generous family leave We encourage Continuing Professional Development with a tailored investment in an individuals' learning and development Flexible working patterns Hybrid working solutions (in some areas) How to Apply: Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”. Full details can be found in the Job Particulars document downloadable from the link above. SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter. SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046