Brief for the position of Chair in Agri-robotics June 2016
Contents From the Head of the College of Science 03 The University of Lincoln 04 University Structure Chart 06 Research Strengths 07 Values 08 Chair In Agri-Robotics 09 Role Context 10 Role Outline 11 Key Responsibilities 12 Additional Information 14 Person Specification 15 How to apply 17
From the Head of College Thank you for your interest in the role of Chair of Agri-Robotics. This will be one of the first substantive Chairs of Agri-Robotics created in the UK. The role will provide international leadership within an exciting and emerging new field. Agri-Robotics could have significant impact by reducing the environmental impacts of food and farming, underpin food security by providing technological solutions to reduced labour supply through demographics and urban drift, and help drive the productivity and financial sustainability of the food and farming sectors. It also provides a challenging domain for fundamental research in robotics, including in locomotion, perception, action and coordination. The University of Lincoln is an exciting and dynamic environment with a strong multi-disciplinary College of Science. This role will sit within the new Lincoln Institute of Agri-Food Technology (LIAT) and the Lincoln Centre for Autonomous Systems (L-CAS). LIAT is a cross-disciplinary platform facilitating work with industry across the entire College of Science and wider University, and underpins the strategic vision of the University to be a world-leader in Agri-food research over the next five years. L-CAS has broad expertise in robotic perception, learning and action in domains including Agri-Food. The University has a significant number of agri-food related projects, including key note studies on the development of robotic harvesting systems, vision systems to drive robotic weeding systems, large scale factory automation, and the development of field robots for agriculture. We are looking for a Chair of Agri-Robotics who can help shape the future of LIAT, and develop it as an internationally recognised centre of excellence. You will be an excellent networker, with extensive experience of grant capture and collaboration with industry, and experience in agri-robotics or related robotic disciplines. You will have an international outlook and international connections. Above all we are looking for someone who thrives on innovation, has vision and can demonstrate success in delivering results. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your interest in this role and the University of Lincoln. I wish you good luck in your application. Professor Andrew Hunter Pro-Vice Chancellor/Head of College of Science, University of Lincoln 3
The University of Lincoln The University of Lincoln is one of the HE sector s real success stories. In recent years, Lincoln has seen a rise across all university league tables, and it has established an international reputation as a research-driven, pioneering institution. The latest student survey results saw Lincoln s courses and facilities rated amongst the best in the country, and the modern campus near the historic city centre provides staff and students with an attractive work and study environment. The University has around 13,000 students (c.11,000 undergraduate and c.2,000 postgraduate), and an annual turnover of 130m. 4
10 key facts 1 The University produces world-leading research, with more than half of the outputs submitted to REF 2014 rated 4* or 3*. 2 Students rated several of Lincoln s courses among the best in the UK for student satisfaction in the in the 2015 NSS. 3 In its most recent QAA review, Lincoln received an excellent result and was commended for the innovative ways in which it gives its students a voice. 4 The University has invested around 200m in the stunning Brayford Pool Campus, and plans to invest a further 130m over the next few years. 5 Around 100 nationalities are represented on campus, and Lincoln has partnerships with universities around the world. 6 Lincoln is recognised as a leader in successful partnerships between business and academia, as highlighted by the recent Witty and Wilson reviews. 7 Lincoln s Vice-Chancellor is a Member of the Board of HEFCE and Deputy Chair of the University Alliance. 8 The University is a strong supporter of local and regional events, and hosts a variety of free-to-attend public lectures. 9 The University is committed to raising young people s aspirations, and works with schools locally and nationally to assist progression to Higher Education. 10 The Students Union won the Students Union of the Year title at the NUS Awards 2014. 5
Pro Vice Chancellor International Partnerships and Director of the Business School (Craig Marsh) Director of Digital Engagement
Research strengths Research underpins all the University s academic endeavours. It is Lincoln s mission to pursue the highest standards of research excellence with talented academics, researchers and students attracted from across the UK and abroad. Over the last 10 years, there has been significant investment in the infrastructure for both research and teaching. From state-of-the-art equipment and new buildings through to investment in facilities and archives, the University offers a vibrant academic environment in which to pursue research and undertake research-informed study. In REF 2014, 53% of the University s submitted research was rated as 4* or 3*, with world-leading research identified in almost every area. Approximately 40% of eligible staff across 17 Units of Assessment were returned to the REF. The University was placed in the top ten nationally for the quality of its research outputs in two areas, reflecting the substantial investments made in developing science and health research. Overall Lincoln achieved a GPA of 2.54 an improvement of more than 30% (and 13 league table places) on the results of RAE 2008. We are committed to further strengthening our research, for example through the strategic recruitment of new academic staff with proven research strengths, as well as developing all our research-active staff through targeted support and investment. Research will remain at the heart of the University s academic endeavours. Teaching and the student experience The University organises its teaching around a central notion of the student as producer, recognising that students at both undergraduate and postgraduate level have a key role to play in the development of the academic culture and the creation of new knowledge. Students are seen as participants in research, and their courses are structured with project work and employability in mind. Well over 70% of Lincoln s new graduates are in graduate roles within six months of leaving. Significant investments have been made in the infrastructure for teaching and learning for example, more than 6m has been invested recently in information technology and the extension of the university library and further development in these areas will be vital to delivering the institution s strategy. Away from the lecture hall, Lincoln Students Union was named SU of the year at the 2014 NUS Awards. There are currently more than 3,500 students involved in student-led sports, clubs and societies, and students compete in a wide range of interuniversity British Universities & Colleges Sport tournaments. The Students Union runs an oncampus pub and a nightclub venue, the Engine Shed, which hosts student nights, live music and comedy. 7
Values The University aims to: Develop the institution within a global context Continue to work in an ethical way that is aware of and responsive to the needs of its students, staff, and those it works with Develop and produce cutting edge research and teaching that is embedded in a culture of creativity and innovation Continue to promote participation of underrepresented groups in HE Ensure that its curriculum is relevant to the issues of the day Promote and develop technological innovation across the institution Develop its infrastructure to support an internationalised student and staff body. The University measures its success by: The success, satisfaction and progression of students The attraction, retention and development of outstanding staff The impact and quality of teaching Growth in research volume and quality, including international collaborations Ongoing financial sustainability, and the growth / diversification of third-stream income Exceeding all HEFCE benchmarks relating to widening participation Flexible and agile responses to emerging policy imperatives and trends Being recognised globally by 2021 for thought leadership and innovation in HE Growth in global reach and engagement through strategic international partnerships and recruitment The creation of opportunities relating to employability and entrepreneurship, both within and beyond the curriculum. For more information about the University, please visit: www.lincoln.ac.uk 8
Chair in Agri-Robotics Dynamic leadership, inspirational academics and significant financial investment have seen our reputation for research and learning go from strength to strength. We re looking for exceptional people with a relentless focus on improvement. Join us in shaping the next stage of our exciting future. College of Science Salary Competitive The creation of the new Lincoln Institute of Agri-food Technology is a milestone in the development of the University of Lincoln and our College of Science. Situated in the agricultural heartland of the UK, the Institute is a focal point for the University s strategic development of agri-food technology as a key thematic specialism and builds on our current strengths. Through research areas including agri-robotics, food manufacturing, agronomy, biotechnology and ecology, we are aiming to serve our community and the whole world by contributing to regional development and global food security. The Chair in Agri-robotics is key to the development of the Institute. You will aim to build LIAT s profile in agri-robotics and establish an international reputation in the subject, securing funding and publishing world class research. You will take a substantive position in one of our LIAT-affiliated schools, and will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Institute s strategic development plan. You will be a highly experienced academic with expertise in a relevant area of robotics or autonomous systems, with relevance to the application to agriculture. In addition to an outstanding publication record, you will bring a proven ability to join up academic and industrial stakeholders to facilitate high class research. You will also bring successful experience of attracting research/enterprise funding. As an institutional Athena SWAN Bronze Award holder we are committed to advancing gender equality in STEM, therefore female applications are strongly encouraged to apply. Please contact our external advisor Sabrina Vieth at Perrett Laver on +44 0207 340 6251 or by email Sabrina.Vieth@perrettlaver.com for an informal conversation about this opportunity. For more information or to apply online please visit our website jobs.lincoln.ac.uk. Alternatively, email jobs@lincoln.ac.uk or telephone (01522) 886775. Please quote the title in all correspondence. Closing date: 9th July 2016 9
Role Context The College of Science at the University of Lincoln is rapidly developing, having established three new Schools and (jointly with the College of Social Science) a new Institute in the last three years. It has a national reputation for the activity of its National Centre for Food Manufacturing, and has recently begun to establish research in agri-robotics and other areas. The Lincoln Institute of Agri-food Technology (LIAT) is a newly formed interdisciplinary institute within the College of Science. Its purpose is to foster agri-food technology as a major thematic strength of the University, with the medium- to long-term aim that the University of Lincoln will become a nationally and internationally recognised centre of excellence in agri-food. As such it plays a critical role in the College of Science s strategic plan for research development. The Institute will have its own staff and facilities, but also affiliated research centres from across the College of Science, and in particular from Engineering and Computer Science (agri-robotics, vision and control systems), Life Sciences and Chemistry (biotechnology, animal behaviour, ecology, organic chemistry), and the National Centre for Food Manufacturing. The Lincoln Centre for Autonomous Systems (L-CAS) is a thriving research centre based in the School of Computer Science with specialisms including perception and decision making in mobile robots for agriculture and food applications. 10
Role Outline JOB TITLE Professor in Agri-robotics DEPARTMENT Lincoln Institute of Agri-food Technology, College of Science LOCATION Brayford Campus, Lincoln JOB NUMBER COS251 GRADE SMG DATE June 2016 REPORTS TO Director of Lincoln Institute of Agri-food Technology The Chair in Agri-robotics will contribute to the development of LIAT, build our profile in agri-robotics, and have a substantive post in one of the LIAT-affiliated Schools. Your area of specialism may complement or extend the existing expertise in L-CAS. Key activities will include: Contribute to the development of the Institute s strategic development plan, and planning of its development of facilities; Secure external funding for research and enterprise activities; Build collaborative links with the agri-food community and academic partners; Publish internationally leading research in your discipline; If appropriate, contribute to the development of agri-food taught portfolio; Establish an internationally leading reputation and research profile in agri-robotics; Contribute to teaching in your academic school; Contribute to broader management in the College and University. 11
Key Responsibilities Research Maintain a substantial research profile of international quality and standing that has a significant impact on their academic field and beyond. Lead on aspects of the development of research within the University and Institute, such as: - Co-ordinating a significant area of University and Institute research activity; - Chairing relevant College, School or Institute committees; and - Representing the School, College and/or Institute on University committees and working groups. Attract external, significant and sustained research funding from various sources, including research councils, charities, industry, government-funded bodies and European Union and overseas bodies, to support and develop research. Provide supervision and mentoring to academic and research staff, supporting them in developing a funding profile, the development of their personal research track record and research impact. Lead and manage collaborative research projects, including interdisciplinary collaborations within the University, between the University and external collaborations with non-academic stakeholders. Support the University and Institute s international development, including forging international research links. Attract and supervise postgraduate research students. Develop research through impact activities, e.g. patenting, commercialisation, influencing policy and collaborative work with stakeholders. Teaching and Learning The role holder will contribute to the subject portfolio of programmes, including postgraduate/ research degrees by: Undertaking teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate levels and carrying out all related activities, achieving good levels of student progression and satisfaction. Leading on research-engaged teaching in subjects and areas related to the post holder s research. Leading on improved approaches to teaching and learning, informed by the research and engagement with practice, within their own subject area(s) and across the Department/School. Collaborating with colleagues in curriculum development, the advancement of the discipline within the University and academic administration, including contribution to programme and/or unit management duties. Contributing to the development of new curriculum areas aligned with the Institute s development, across the College/University. Contributing to external educational programme development and delivery. Supporting students undertaking doctoral research in their subject and supervising them to completion. 12
Key Responsibilities Other Duties Support the Director of the Lincoln Institute of Agri-food Technology in the strategic development and management of the Institute. Contribute to and support the University s Strategic Plan. Contribute to the efficient administration, organisation and development of research in the University and Institute. Participate in and, where appropriate, convene relevant research-related groups/committees in the University and Institute. In addition to the above, undertake such duties as may reasonably be requested and that are commensurate with the nature and grade of the post. 13
Additional Information Scope and dimensions of the role The Chair in Agri-robotics will be a member of an academic School appropriate to their discipline and a key member of the Lincoln Institute for Agri-food Technology. S/he will provide academic leadership in agri-robotics, a major theme for strategic development in the University, and as such will be expected to play a pivotal role in this major strategic development. Key Working Relationships/Networks Internal Head of the College of Science Director and Staff of the Institute Members of affiliated research centres Research and Enterprise Office Staff in the home academic schools Students External Government agencies, regional strategy and funding bodies Agri-food stakeholders, businesses 14
Person Specification Selection Criteria Qualifications: Essential (E) or Desirable (D) Where Evidenced Application (A) Interview (I) Presentation (P) References (R) First degree or equivalent E A PhD or the equivalent in published outputs E A HE teaching qualification (HE PGCE or HEA fellowship) OR a commitment to complete one Experience: E A Leadership and management experience (ideally in higher education) D A,I Experience of and ability to build effective collaborative working relationships with industry, including funded projects E A,I Experience of publishing high quality research in agri-robotics E A Broad HE teaching experience D A Experience of PhD supervision D A Experience of obtaining substantial funding for research projects E A Experience of working in internationally competitive research environment E A Experience of programme portfolio development D A Experience of obtaining government funding for industrial support D A 15
Person Specification Skills and Knowledge: Outstanding communication skills (written and oral) E A,I Budget management skills D A,I Knowledge of the Research Excellence Framework D I Ability to build good working relationships with key colleagues in the School, College and elsewhere in the University E I Effective influencing and negotiating skills at all levels E I Organisational ability E I Ability to lead and motivate others effectively E I Competencies and Personal Attributes: Business Requirements: Ability and willingness to travel on University business, including overseas E I Essential Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Desirable Requirements are those which would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements. 16
How to Apply Please contact our external advisor Sabrina Vieth at Perrett Laver on +44 0207 340 6251 or by email Sabrina.Vieth@perrettlaver.com for an informal conversation about this opportunity. Successful candidates will be invited to participate in the final interview process, which will take place on 16th August 2016 at the University of Lincoln. For more information or to apply online please visit our website jobs.lincoln.ac.uk Alternatively, email jobs@lincoln.ac.uk or telephone (01522) 886775. Please quote the title in all correspondence. Closing date: 9th July 2016 17
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