Director: Institute for Agronomy and Agriculture, UHI Orkney

Job Description

Job title: Director: Institute for Agronomy and Agriculture, UHI Orkney

Company: UHI Orkney

Job description: This is a rare and exciting opportunity for a leader to shape the future of a successful research institute which is poised for expansion.

The Institute is currently highly regarded and REF rated for its work in plants and plant-based products. The new Director’s remit is to create and deliver a strategic plan to continue this work and alongside that to broaden the scope of the Institute to encompass teaching, research and knowledge exchange in Agriculture. The Institute is set in the beautiful Orkney Islands, where agriculture is a top employment sector, and there is huge scope for development related to this key industry.

The Institute’s long-standing reputation for excellence in place-based research and commercial collaborations across the Highlands and Islands provides a strong foundation on which to build. It currently delivers significant benefits to our communities, collaborating with a wide range of industrial partners to develop innovative products. Adding Agriculture to this portfolio will allow the Institute to take advantage of new opportunities in areas such as sustainable agriculture, as well as activity related to Islands Growth Deal funded projects for a Vertical Farm, UHI TalentED and the Islands Centre for Net Zero.

The Institute is part of UHI Orkney, which benefits from its dual status as a partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI), wholly owned by Orkney Islands Council. UHI Orkney is a truly tertiary institution, offering learner pathways from schools work through to world and international class postgraduate research.

The successful candidate will have experience of research in a relevant area, and of income generation through grant funding and/or commercial partnership. They will also bring a clear vision for the future potential of the Institute for Agronomy and Agriculture, and the leadership skills, drive and project management experience to realise that vision.

To apply, please complete the application form on the website.

For more information on the Institute’s current and previous work, please visit:

For information on Islands Growth Deal funded projects, please visit:

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Jane Partridge, Service Manager, Secondary and Tertiary Education on 01856 873535 extension 2419 or email

Closing date: 28th January 2024

Provisional date for Interviews: 28th and 29th February 2024, in person at UHI Orkney

£56,071 (£53,530 + £2,541 Distant Islands Allowance, pay award pending)

Expected salary: £56071 per year

Location: Kirkwall, Orkney Islands

Job date: Sun, 24 Dec 2023 00:21:44 GMT

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