Sustainability Modelling Lead

The UK Agri-Tech Centre is seeking a Sustainability Modelling Lead to develop sustainability analysis and modelling for agri-tech systems. This permanent, full-time role allows for fully remote work or hybrid options at various hubs. Responsibilities include conducting life cycle assessments, providing technical leadership, and developing data collection techniques. Candidates should have a relevant degree and experience in life cycle assessment and techno-economic modelling.
About Us

The UK Agri-Tech Centre is a new organisation launched on 1 April 2024 and created from three of the original Agri-Tech centres.

Utilising our UK-wide assets, world-class facilities, and expertise, our new organisation is a gateway for funding programmes, such as the Farming Innovation Programme and Horizon Europe, and it provides benefits to the whole supply chain, the UK economy, and beyond.

We offer a complete life cycle of support, driving Agri-Tech innovation and adoption through world-class facilities, expert knowledge and business support to accelerate progress.

We strengthen the connections between science, business, and funders to accelerate research and development, tackling the industry’s most critical challenges, such as climate change, labour availability, disease mitigation and environmental sustainability.

Job details
• Permanent contract, full-time, Mon-Fri, 37 hours/week
• The role can be fully remote, or can be based at any of the Agri-Tech Centre's Hubs - Northern Hub (Edinburgh), Midlands Hub (Edgmond) or York Hub (York), Cranfield with hybrid/on site work type
• Regular travel across the UK and occasionally overseas might be required

Job Purpose

This position and will focus on leading the development and delivery of sustainability analysis and modelling of agri-tech systems within a range of farming and related food chain systems for the company. The assessments will include conducting all aspects of Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) to ISO standards and techno-economic models of farm systems using a range of software.

Main Duties

To play a pivotal and autonomous role in delivering sustainability and techno-economic modelling in R&D and commercial projects for agricultural clients across the UK

· Work with relevant team members to develop data collection techniques and liaise with farms and other stakeholders as necessary for inventory analysis

· Provide technical leadership and training to staff within the UK-ATC for sustainability and techno-economic modelling.

· Conduct a variety of life cycle analyses and techno-economic modelling to support the delivery of internal and external projects.

· Prepare clear and compelling reports, presentations of analyses, and recommendations for internal and external customers

· Work with Farm Technical Specialists on the development of cross sector on-farm sustainability measures

· Assist in the writing of bids for commercial and research funding in the area of sustainability, LCA and techno-economic modelling

· To develop relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders to develop data collection techniques and conduct a variety of sustainability modelling to assist with the delivery of commercial and research projects.

· Awareness of budget allocated for sustainability aspect of relevant projects.

· To perform additional duties as directed from time to time by the Robotics and AI Lead.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

· Educated to a minimum of degree level or equivalent, ideally in the engineering /sciences and/or a related technical field or relevant experience

· Knowledge of how agri-tech is applied to farming systems

· Professional experience in conducting Life Cycle Assessment in SimaPro for at least 2 years

· Professional experience of techno-economic modelling for at least 2 years

· Knowledge of applying LCA and techno-economic modelling techniques in novel system analysis at a component level, and beyond carbon accounting alone.

· Strong knowledge of primary data collection for LCA and mass balance.

· Excellent written and oral communication skills in order to work effectively with colleagues from all parts of the organisation and to explain complex techniques to interested parties

· Outstanding attention to detail

· Excellent record-keeping skills, along with basic maths and computing

· Ability to work independently and deliver under own initiative or as part of a team

Additional Information

On-the-job training will be provided for using LCA and techno-economic modelling techniques in novel system analysis if required.

Application process

The closing date is April 6th, 2025.

To apply, please click "Apply" to complete a short registration on our internal portal and submit your CV

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £50,000.00-£55,000.00 per year

Benefits:
• Additional leave
• Company pension
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Work from home

Schedule:
• Monday to Friday

Work authorisation:
• United Kingdom (required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Roslin EH25 9RG