Science and Technology Manager

Website GoodFoodEurope The Good Food Institute Europe

Science and Technology Manager , The Good Food Institute Europe

Mobilise scientists and funding to build a sustainable food system

Industrial animal agriculture is at the root of many of the most pressing global issues of our time, from climate change and global hunger to increased disease risk and poor animal welfare.

The Good Food Institute Europe (GFI Europe) is at the forefront of the movement to use food technology to replace the products of industrial animal agriculture with plant-based, fermentation-derived, and cultivated meat, eggs, dairy, and seafood. Please check out our U.S. affiliate’s website (gfi.org) and read the 2019 Year in Review (gfi.org/2019, particularly pages 8-9, which focus on our Science and Technology work) to find out more about who we are and what we do.

We are at an exciting stage in our growth and are looking for a Science and Technology (SciTech) Manager to join our team. For more information about this new role, please take a look at the job brochure here.

How You Will Make a Difference: 

We need the best scientists in Europe to be engaged in plant-based, cultivated, and fermentation-derived protein research and development.

In this role, you will lead the creation and delivery of a SciTech strategy and function for GFI Europe. You will engage with scientists, science media, and policymakers to catalyse the alternative proteins sector through three principal activities: inspiring more scientists to work on alternative proteins, mobilising research funding, and analysing the sector.

As the first Science and Technology hire in our growing European team, you will help radically transform the food system by:

  • Developing and implementing the strategy for GFI’s SciTech work in Europe and setting the priorities that you will be working on.
  • Acting as the bridge and link between GFI’s global SciTech team and stakeholders in Europe, and potentially leading a team of specialists in the future.
  • Mobilising funding for alternative proteins research and development by mapping funding sources (government, private, and philanthropic) and working with individuals, organisations, and consortia to help them access existing funding. In parallel, you will help to influence funding agencies to expand the available pool of funding for alternative proteins research by demonstrating alignment with their goals and objectives.
  • Inspiring, energising, coordinating, and mobilising scientists, researchers, engineers, students, and entrepreneurs across Europe to work on alternative proteins. You will be reaching out, engaging with people, sharing information, and building communities. This could include, amongst other things:
    • creating connections and fostering networks of scientists,
    • giving presentations at conferences,
    • helping to ensure that alternative proteins are included in relevant curricula,
    • fostering the development of new centres of excellence,
    • building the alternative proteins community by organising meetings and events.
  • Analysing the alternative proteins sector in Europe, including identifying and mapping labs, scientists, and others who conduct relevant research, and building resources to help innovators navigate technical challenges and scaling bottlenecks.
  • Providing credible, expert advice on alternative proteins to policymakers, regulators, and civil society, working closely with our global SciTech team and European Policy team.
  • Overseeing and assisting with the creation of scientific and technical resources, including bespoke materials for European stakeholders — for example, sector databases and maps — and possibly contributing to peer-reviewed publications and white papers.
  • In conjunction with our Communications team, communicating about alternative proteins through science media and at scientific conferences.
  • Performing other tasks as required as a member of our small, nimble team.

Who we’re looking for: 

You must have:

  • A passion for GFI’s philosophy and mission.
  • A Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field (e.g., stem cell biology, tissue engineering, biochemical engineering, synthetic biology, plant molecular biology, plant genetics, crop science), or the equivalent (e.g. a master’s degree plus significant relevant experience).
  • Demonstrable professional experience, for example in industry (large and/or start-up companies), research and development funding agencies, academia, or other relevant area.
  • A good strategic mind: you will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategy for GFI’s SciTech work in Europe, and selecting the highest-impact things to work on.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to tailor messages to both scientific and general audiences.
  • Excellent networking, interpersonal, influencing, and relationship-building abilities, and the credibility and persuasiveness to represent GFI in front of regulators, policymakers, and corporate executives.
  • Strong team spirit and open and collaborative instincts: you will be working closely with colleagues in our US SciTech team and around the world.
  • An extremely strong work ethic and ability to see projects through to completion.
  • A can-do approach: a self-starter with the drive and initiative to take responsibility for delivering impact.
  • Comfort working remotely in a rapidly-growing and evolving organisation: the ability to work well independently and under pressure, set priorities, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines.
  • Fluent English, both written and spoken (CEFR C2 level).

The ideal candidate may also have some of the following, although these are not requirements:

  • Experience working with plant-based or cultivated meat companies.
  • An established network and rapport with a broad range of contacts relevant to GFI.
  • A functional understanding of the principles, methods, equipment, and techniques used in plant-based and cultivated meat research and manufacturing.
  • Experience with identifying and preparing research grant applications for funding, for example from the EU or national governments.
  • Experience managing and leading teams.
  • The ability to work in major European languages other than English.

We want the best people and we don’t want biases holding us back. We strongly encourage people of every colour, orientation, age, gender, origin, and ability to apply. Because we value a diverse workplace, we prioritise an inclusive climate absent of discrimination and harassment during the application process and after you join the team.

The Fine Print:

  • Terms of employment: Full-time, permanent
  • Location: Flexible — we will consider applicants from anywhere in Europe. You will mainly be working remotely: from your home, or wherever you choose. Once the COVID situation has cleared, you and the whole GFI Europe team will occasionally get together in-person for a few days at a time, most likely in the London area or Brussels. Subject to COVID, there may also be other frequent work trips within Europe, and occasionally beyond.
  • Salary: £38,000 – £50,000.  This range is based on a UK hire and will be adjusted if hired elsewhere in Europe.
  • Right to work requirements: We are only able to consider applicants who are eligible to work and travel in the EU or UK.
  • Application Deadline: 14 Dec 2020, 11.59pm BST. We will be assessing candidates on a rolling basis, so please apply now!
  • Application process: Please complete the short form and upload your CV and cover letter here: https://forms.gle/QqagvSsHp6SRcjFR7. Your CV and cover letter (of 1-2 pages) should set out:
    • What motivated you to apply for this role.
    • How you meet each of the requirements for the role as listed in the job description.
    • Which bit of the job description energises you the most.
  • The full application process is outlined in the job brochure. We really look forward to hearing from you!

Any questions?  If you have any questions about this role, please do reach out to us at  europe@gfi.org. If you’ve read this far but decided not to apply, please feel free to share this job description with someone else in your network who you think might be a good fit for the role! Thank you.

To apply for this job please visit veganjobs.com.

To apply for this job please visit veganjobs.com.

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The Good Food Institute Europe

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