Lecturer in Crop Protection

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK university seeks a Lecturer in Crop Protection to contribute to research and teaching, particularly in climate-smart pest forecasting and precision agriculture. The role requires a PhD and experience in academic research and teaching. Candidates should have a strong publication record and the ability to secure research funding. This is a permanent, full-time position located in Reading, UK.

Qualifications

• Ability to carry out high quality academic research.
• A track record of significant and sustained academic publications and/or research impact.
• Success in securing external research funding.
• Good understanding of the contemporary practices in crop protection.
• Motivation to develop a research portfolio aligned to climate-smart practices.
• Experience of teaching in Higher Education.
• Excellent presentation and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Contribute to research and teaching in crop protection.
• Engage with ongoing research projects.
• Attract research funding.
• Administrative and outreach responsibilities.

Skills

Academic research

Publication and research impact

Securing external funding

Understanding of crop protection practices

Presentation and communication skills

Teaching experience in Higher Education

Fluent English

Education

PhD or equivalent in relevant area

Job description

Closing date: 23:59 on 5th January 2026

Full-time, Permanent

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

The University of Reading’s School of Agriculture, Policy & Development seeks to appoint an Lecturer in Crop Protection in the Department of Crop Science. The appointee will contribute to research and teaching in the area of crop protection and related fields at undergraduate and Masters levels, with associated responsibilities relating to administration and outreach. We would be particularly interested to receive applications from candidates with a strong interest and knowledge of climate-smart pest forecasting and scenario modelling; resistance management, evolutionary-informed strategies and refugia design; precision agriculture, remote sensing and AI for early detection and targeted interventions; next-generation biopesticides and microbial biocontrol; plant-microbiome engineering and synthetic microbial communities.

The University has recently launched AgriFood Futures, a new ambitious research strategy for the period to 2050, supported by substantial investment on research leadership and facilities. The ability to engage with on-going research projects and the potential to attract research funding are important.

You will have:

• Ability to carry out high quality academic research
• A track record of significant and sustained academic publications and/or research impact
• Success in securing external research funding
• Good understanding of the contemporary practices in crop protection
• Motivation to develop a research portfolio aligned to the University of Reading’s AgriFood Futures strategy, especially relating to resilience and adaptation of farming systems to climate change and other shocks and/or the development of farming systems that work with nature and our climate
• A track record of working in and contributing to a dynamic and high quality research environment
• Experience of teaching in Higher Education
• Excellent presentation and communication skills for teaching
• PhD or equivalent in a relevant area
• Fluent English and a high level of literacy

Contact Information

Contact Name: Paola Tosi
Contact Job Title: Head of Department, Crop Science
Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Alternative Contact Name: Simon Mortimer
Alternative Contact Job Title: Head of School, APD
Alternative Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Interviews will be held: Tuesday 13th January 2026

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.