Senior Lecturer (Soil Science)

ROYAL AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITY; Cirencester; Hybrid; 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: £40/day inChina

Job summary

The Royal Agricultural University in Cirencester invites applications for a Senior Lecturer in Soil Science. The role focuses on championing soil science and soil-focused research within agricultural or environmental contexts, linking teaching with advanced field-based work.

You will bring expertise in soil health, biology, fertility, and related areas, with a proven track record in research and teaching. The position involves substantial time in China, with generous housing and travel support

Qualifications

• Proven academic track record of research and teaching excellence in soil science.
• Background in soil function, productivity, health, and sustainability of managed soil systems.
• Practical fieldwork, consultancy or agricultural industry experience welcomed.

Responsibilities

• Champion soil science and soil-focused research within agricultural or environmental contexts.
• Develop and deliver teaching in soil health, fertility, and related areas.
• Coordinate time in China for teaching with housing and travel support.
• Contribute to curriculum development and international collaboration in soil science.

Skills

Soil health

Soil biology

Soil fertility

Soil degradation

Soil-water interactions

Carbon and nutrient cycling

Regenerative agriculture

Soil monitoring and mapping

Sustainable soil management

Job description

Senior Lecturer (Soil Science)

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

Salary: Grade 9: starting at £44,746 progressing to £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 £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