Senior Lecturer (Soil Science)

TipTopJob; Cirencester; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 57,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free staff accommodation in China

Two round-trip flights per year

Health insurance

Visa support

Subsistence allowance

Job summary

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) in Cirencester is seeking an ambitious soil science scholar to champion soil health and soil-focused research within agricultural or environmental contexts. The role emphasizes teaching excellence and a strong academic track record.

Applicants should have expertise in soil health, biology, fertility, and related areas, with willingness to teach in China for part of the year. Competitive salary and benefits apply.

Qualifications

• Proven academic track record of research and teaching excellence in soil science.
• Experience in fieldwork, consultancy or agricultural industry welcomed.
• Ability to contribute to international teaching commitments, including China, within the academic year.

Responsibilities

• Champion soil science and soil-focused research within agricultural or environmental contexts.
• Contribute to teaching and scholarly activities to support students' learning and outcomes.
• Deliver China-based teaching during assigned semesters and manage related travel and accommodations.

Skills

Soil science expertise

Soil health

Soil biology

Soil fertility and productivity

Soil degradation knowledge

Carbon and nutrient cycling

Regenerative agriculture

Job description

Location: Cirencester, and locations in China, including Qingdao Agricultural University, Shandong Agricultural University and Shenyang University.

Salary: Grade 9: starting at A GBP 44,746 progressing to A GBP 56,535

Hours : 35 hours per week, permanent, full time

The Royal Agricultural University (RAU) has been at the forefront of agricultural education and a key contributor to the land:based sector for more than 180 years. We are seeking an ambitious individual that is passionate about the national and global opportunities for soil science.

The Role

This role is focused on championing soil science and soil:focused research within agricultural or environmental contexts.

In addition to having a background in the function, productivity, health, and sustainability of managed soil systems, successful applicants should possess specialist expertise in one or more of the following areas: soil health, soil biology, soil fertility and productivity, soil degradation, soil:water interactions, carbon and nutrient cycling, regenerative agriculture, soil monitoring and mapping, or sustainable soil management.

Applicants will need to demonstrate a proven academic track record of research and teaching excellence in areas relevant to this role. Those with practical fieldwork, consultancy or agricultural industry experience would be particularly welcomed to impart the authentic real:world experience that is highly valued by our students.

While the position requires candidates to be UK:based, you should expect to be working in China for a significant portion of your time. China teaching will take place in both semester one and semester two, and would not normally exceed a 7:week period in each (14 weeks total for the academic year). You will be provided with free staff accommodation in China, two round trip flights per annum, suitable health insurance, support with a visa application, and other related expenses, including a payment of A GBP 40 per day for subsistence when you are in China.

Closing Date : 30 September2026

Interviews: 20:23 October 2026

The RAU is an equal opportunities employer, and we particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the RAU at this level