NUPAcT Fellowship with Proctor & Gamble

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

The position will support and grow Newcastle University’s strategic partnership with P&G – a world leader in fast-moving consumer products with global markets and impact. P&G and Newcastle University have a common goal of a more sustainable future, and both recognize the vital role biotechnology will play in achieving this. The fellow will work closely with P&G and other industry and academic partners that form a growing Northeast research ecosystem in this field. The fellow will be creative and collaborative in delivering solution-based research that harnesses natural resources to address real-world problems and reinforces Newcastle University’s global reputation.

At P&G, the Fellow will be based in the Newcastle Innovation Centre at Longbenton. This collaborative environment provides the perfect foundation for the Fellow to immerse themselves and achieve their research goals.

The fellowship will provide a unique early career opportunity for an academic wishing to build a research profile in Industrial Biotechnology – developing key skills both in the academic and industry sectors, leading on research projects and project management.

At Newcastle, the Fellow will join a cohort of highly skilled research scientists, trained in an interdisciplinary environment and performing high-quality research that helps P&G to fulfill its mission. The fellowship will build on an existing strong partnership with P&G, cementing the relationship for the longer term. The Fellow will also engage with colleagues in the Newcastle University Centre for Excellence (NUCoRE) in Industrial Biotechnology.

The Offer

We offer a competitive start-up package:

1. Initial fixed-term appointment for five years (or five years’ full-time equivalent if working part-time) with expected progression to an open-ended contract subject to successful review.
2. Research expenses up to £50k, subject to research programme needs and partner organisation.
3. Funding for a 3-year PhD student (UKRI rate for Fee and Stipend, Home (UK) level) associated with the research.
4. Dedicated mentors with extensive research expertise.
5. The opportunity to join and participate in our world-class interdisciplinary research centres.
6. Extensive training opportunities including a bespoke personal development plan.
7. Peer support from a cross-disciplinary cohort of talented early career researchers.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. To conduct high-quality translational research in sustainable biotechnology that supports and grows our strategic partnership with P&G.
2. To co-create and run research projects that help P&G and Newcastle University meet ambitious sustainability goals by harnessing the potential of natural resources, especially enzymes and biopolymers.
3. To contribute to the development of world-leading teaching programmes, co-created with industry partners and recognized to boost employability.
4. To be a member of relevant academic groups and the Newcastle University Centre for Excellence (NUCoRE) in Industrial Biotechnology.
5. To represent the School and University at national and international meetings and conferences to disseminate research outputs.
6. To contribute to the supervision of postgraduate students and support the coordination of research streams within the wider academic/industry biotechnology ecosystem.
7. To act in a collegiate manner, making a positive contribution to maintaining and enhancing a working environment that upholds equality, diversity and inclusivity.

Progression Criteria

1. Expected progression to an open-ended Teaching and Research position, subject to satisfactory progression reviews and subject to the area of activity in the University being sufficiently financially viable to support a permanent post.
2. To plan and carry out independent, original research relevant to the strategy of the University, leading to high-quality outputs, impact, and successful applications for research funding.
3. To initiate and participate in interdisciplinary collaborations that enable innovative research.
4. To provide guidance and career support to other colleagues and students, including high-quality supervision of PhD students, and students undertaking taught programmes.
5. To develop a balanced profile of activities that includes research-led teaching and contributions to the working environment. Whilst the focus of this position is on carrying out independent research, enthusiasm for teaching is expected.
6. To contribute to a positive and inclusive research environment, and actively support the University’s equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) agenda.

Person Specification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

1. A proven track record in working closely with a major commercial partner in industrial biotechnology to co-create and deliver research that addresses commercial and societal needs in relation to fast-moving consumer products.
2. Extensive experience in key techniques that drive the strategic partnership with P&G including microarrays, molecular probes, and enzymes, as applied to fast-moving consumer goods.
3. A strong track record in operating effectively with, and contributing to, a collaborative research ecosystem that includes large commercial entities, SMEs, regional stakeholders, students, and academics.
4. A proven ability to coordinate and manage multi-partner projects, synergizing diverse skill sets and resources to deliver outstanding outputs to tight deadlines.
5. A proven ability to supervise students and visiting researchers – providing the necessary training, scientific context, and coordination required to develop and deliver research projects.
6. Excellent communication skills with the ability and enthusiasm to leverage and share resources, expertise, and knowledge across academic groups and business units.
7. A strong interest in developing research-based solutions to global challenges.
8. Experience of providing supervision and academic guidance to students.
9. Good networking skills and the ability to develop productive links with fellow professionals from other organisations and agencies with whom the University interacts.
10. Willingness to contribute to ongoing outreach activities that may include visits, public lectures, and contributions to events and summer schools.
11. Research interests in areas related to industrial enzymes, polysaccharides, biofilms, and high-throughput screening platforms.

ATTRIBUTES AND BEHAVIOUR

• Commitment to maintain and support a diverse and inclusive environment, where colleagues and students are treated fairly and with respect.

Willingness to participate in collaborating teams and openness to work in an interdisciplinary way.

Desire to contribute to a positive research culture aligned to the University’s four Guiding Principles and its Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy .

Willingness to contribute to broader activities that fall within the typical remit of an academic member of staff such as membership of committees, involvement in working groups, EDI activity, outreach, etc.

Willingness to develop others, for example, through teaching, mentoring, and supervision.

Motivation to contribute to and benefit from the NUAcT cohort activities.

Qualifications
PhD (or equivalent) in biology, biotechnology or relevant field.

If you require any adjustments in the application process, please get in touch with us to discuss this by email on:

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe.

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