About Us The UK Agri-Tech Centre is a new organisation launched on 1 April 2024 and created from three of the original Agri-Tech centres. Utilising our UK-wide assets, world-class facilities, and expertise, our new organisation is a gateway for funding programmes, such as the Farming Innovation Programme and Horizon Europe, and it provides benefits to the whole supply chain, the UK economy, and beyond. We offer a complete life cycle of support, driving Agri-Tech innovation and adoption through world-class facilities, expert knowledge, and business support to accelerate progress. We strengthen the connections between science, business, and funders to accelerate research and development, tackling the industry’s most critical challenges, such as climate change, labour availability, disease mitigation and environmental sustainability. Job Purpose We are looking for a candidate to join our team as an Innovation Associate to cover 10 months of maternity leave. During this time you will support innovation within livestock production systems, working with a diverse range of members, clients, partners, and stakeholders. Your role will involve identifying and developing new opportunities for innovation within agricultural production systems, supply chains, and the broader bio-based economy, contributing to relevant projects, activities, and programs within the organisation's innovation portfolio. You will use your expertise to contribute to the advancement of resilient farming practices, food production systems, and non-food agricultural applications, assisting in the ideation, development and management of projects and activities within the organisation's research and innovation portfolio. Main Duties Report to the Head of Agri-Systems and assist in delivering the overall objective of the UK Agri-Tech Centre Proactively research and engage with the sector to understand current opportunities and challenges. Pursue new opportunities with existing and potential clients. Support the building of consortia and bid/grant writing to contribute to the successful and growing CR&D portfolio at the UK Agri-Tech Centre Provide technical support and expertise for the Innovation Team and wider organisation as required including ensuring projects are delivered on time and on budget. Support Thought Leadership reports, Open Innovation and Horizon Scanning Activities as required. Provide relevant documentation and reports internally – including assisting with internal reporting. Participate in company training and skill enhancement program as needed. Attend and represent the UK Agri-Tech Centre at events as required. Qualifications, Skills, and Experience Graduate qualifications in a relevant discipline such as agricultural systems or livestock production, and practical experience in these fields Awareness of Agri-System issues, with depth and strength in crop/plant/food production Experience working with both academic and industry partners. Experience in building consortia and grant/bid writing Experience in managing and delivering projects. Experience in delivering workshops and seminars. An understanding of the R&D process, the Agri-Tech sector, and agri-business practices Ability to engage and enthuse colleagues at all levels of the business, using a collaborative approach and excellent consultative skills. A solid knowledge of statistics, research techniques, and experimental procedures, proven analytical skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including facilitation and presentation, able to translate technical information for non-technical audiences. Ability to work accurately to tight deadlines and on own initiative. Additional Information The role can be on-site, hybrid or home based. We are happy to consider work model that works for the employee. Some travel will be required. This role is a maternity cover position with an expected duration of 10 months. Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract Contract length: 10 months Pay: £35,000.00-£40,000.00 per year Benefits Casual dress Free parking Health & wellbeing programme On-site parking Sick pay Work from home Schedule Monday to Friday Work authorisation United Kingdom (required) Work Location: Hybrid remote in York YO10 5DG