Senior Lecturer (Soil Science), AD WARRIOR

Guardian Jobs; 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 £40/day in China

Job summary

The Royal Agricultural University seeks a Senior Lecturer in Soil Science to champion soil science and soil-focused research within agricultural or environmental contexts. The role includes UK-based teaching with a substantial portion in China, offering staff accommodation and travel support.

Candidates should demonstrate a proven track record in research and teaching, with expertise in soil health, biology, fertility, and related areas.

Qualifications

• A strong track record of research and teaching in soil science.
• Experience with international collaborations or working in China is advantageous.
• UK-based candidates may work with significant time in China while based in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Lead teaching and supervision of students in soil science.
• Conduct and publish soil science research within agricultural/environmental contexts.
• Collaborate with international partners, including China, to enhance curricula.
• Contribute to curriculum development and student mentorship.

Skills

Soil health

Soil biology

Soil fertility

Soil degradation

Soil-water interactions

Carbon cycling

Regenerative agriculture

Soil monitoring

Soil 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 University has been at the forefront of agricultural education and a key contributor to the land-based sector for more than 180 years. They 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 their 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 University is an equal opportunities employer, and they particularly welcome applications from black and minority ethnic candidates as they are under-represented within the RAU at this level