Crops For the Future Research Centre (CFFRC) Agroprocessing and Bioproducts Theme Research Theme Leader

Job Description
CFFRC - introductory information CFFRC is the worlds first centre dedicated to research on underutilised crops for food and nonfood uses. From its headquarters, near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, CFFRC operates as the research arm of the global Crops for the Future (CFF) organisation. Its guarantors are the Government of Malaysia and the University of Nottingham in Malaysia. However, CFFRC is an independent entity that can deliver innovative, world-leading research on underutilised crops within the wider objectives of CFF and its global stakeholders. CFFRC is establishing a global stakeholder alliance of education, public, private and civil society partners for research on underutilised crops that can improve livelihoods, especially of the rural poor. The alliance will be underpinned by a team of outstanding researchers and support staff based at the CFFRC headquarters and at its partners locations. The CFFRC approach provides new perspectives on how underutilised crops can help meet complex global challenges. As an independent research company and with the active support of its guarantors, CFFRCs commitment to multidisciplinary, outcome-driven research pioneers a new model for research delivery. The approach transcends geographical and disciplinary boundaries, leverages on new and existing capacities and provides a unique opportunity for CFFRC to rapidly develop global research partnerships and outputs on underutilised crops. As well as purpose-built, state-of-the-art laboratories and a dedicated field research centre, CFFRC has access to national and international facilities and expertise. These include partnerships with the University of Nottingham in Malaysia, UK and China, the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI), universities in Malaysia and beyond and links with CFF, Bioversity International and other agencies, especially in Africa, Asia and the ASEAN region.

Specifically, CFFRC research will demonstrate opportunities for underutilised crops to contribute to: 1. 2. Expanding the range of crop species that sustain humanity and Diversifying the agricultural systems in which they are grown.

To achieve these aims, CFFRC is committed to research that provides practical options to real world challenges through an open engagement with a broad range of stakeholders. These options include: Enhancing nutritional and income security through dietary diversification Responding to climate change with more climate-resilient crops and cropping systems Identifying and developing new agro-industrial products and processes using novel crops Developing new wealth creating opportunities through agricultural diversification.
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Research Theme Leader - background to the post

CFFRC has identified five research themes and six research programmes. Together, these provide the critical mass for research on specific underutilised crops and their end-uses and demonstrate how similar approaches can be applied to other underutilised crops and their products. The research programmes provide a co-ordinated mechanism through which CFFRC research activities are focused on real world problems at an international level. The research themes provide a critical mass of expertise and resources to build CFFRCs institutional leadership on underutilised crops. Each theme will become a `Centre of Excellence for disciplinary research related to underutilised crops. The five CFFRC research themes are: Research Theme 1: Biotechnology and Breeding Systems Research Theme 2: Crop Improvement and Agronomy Research Theme 3: Agrometeorology and Ecophysiology Research Theme 4: Agroprocessing and Bioproducts Research Theme 5: Socio-economics and Policy The six CFFRC research programmes each span the `Research Value Chain across all five themes viz:BamYIELD: Bambara groundnut as an exemplar crop for Africa and Asia BiomassPLUS: Novel biomass crops for sustainable renewable energy and high value products SystemPLUS: Diversifying agricultural systems using underutilised crops and cropping systems CropBASE: Web-based knowledge and decision-support system for underutilised crops FishPLUS: Novel plant products to increase the nutritional value of aquaculture feeds FoodPLUS: Diversification of the food basket for enhanced community nutrition and health Overall responsibility for the CFFRC research themes rests with five Research Theme Leaders (RTLs) who provide disciplinary expertise and managerial oversight within their area of expertise. Each RTL has the support of a postdoctoral Research Theme Co-ordinator (RTC). Research Theme Leader (RTL) Each RTL is an internationally recruited member of the CFFRC Senior Management Team with responsibility to the CEO and CFFRC Board for performance and delivery of research outcomes. He/she may also hold an honorary title of the University of Nottingham or other partner institution. Subject to the academic procedures and regulations of the partner university, the honorary position will be at the appropriate level of seniority related to the academic experience of the RTL (Associate Professor or Professor) under separately agreed terms and conditions. Each RTL is tasked with developing world quality research on underutilised crops in their area of expertise and providing academic oversight across all CFFRC research programmes within their thematic area. Individual RTLs will proactively seek opportunities for collaborations and research funding. In particular, they will develop cross-cutting technologies that span programmes with consequent savings in time, resources and delivery systems resulting in greater impact and value. Specifically, each RTL is responsible for identifying, commissioning and delivering relevant research related to underutilised crops and ensuring that they achieve high quality outcomes within agreed timeframes and resource limits. These objectives will be achieved through; Building a critical mass of thematic capacities and technologies that can be applied across all CFFRC Research Programmes (`Vertical Integration) Linking thematic capacities along the `Research Value Chain of each CFFRC Research Programme (`Horizontal Integration).
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Research Theme Leader (Agroprocessing and Bioproducts) - principal job role CFFRC wishes to appoint an RTL to drive its global expertise in novel and applied research on agroprocessing and bioproducts related to underutilised crops. The role will examine the potential role of underutilised crops in securing food and nutritional security, supporting agrobiodiversity and income generation. This requires an outstanding individual who, besides specialising in agroprocessing and/or related technologies, must also have experience in international and interdisciplinary research and implementation of major research and/or commercial projects. This position involves managing significant staff and financial resources to deliver world-leading research. The postholder will also need to be proactive in developing links with international collaborators and work with other theme leaders as part of CFFRCs senior management team. CFFRC is seeking an individual with significant senior management experience in both academic and applied settings, good international links, an outstanding publishing record and proven ability to attract funding. Research Theme Leader (Agroprocessing and Bioproducts) - experience and knowledge Proven programme management skills and business acumen, well-versed in the use of business and project management tools and organisational processes Relevant experience of project management and life cycle administration in international academic, business, research or private sector organisations at senior management level Experience in conceptualising, preparing and writing proposals to secure mandates and/or funding for research, scoping and policy studies from the state sector, economic associations, international organisations, the private sector, philanthropic organisations and individuals Detailed understanding of research activity and management within tertiary education and an appreciation of potential links between the various CFFRC research programmes Business development experience and a well-developed network of and familiarity with international organisations, the public and private sectors and their respective approaches to and engagement with the agricultural, development and agribusiness sectors in developing countries. Research Leader Co-ordinator (Agroprocessing and Bioproducts) skills Strong administrative and programme management skills; able to anticipate and meet deadlines High level of competency in analysing and managing research costings, proposals and budgets Proven academic English writing skills; effective communicator accustomed to presenting complex information to diverse audiences in written form and orally Self-motivated, able to work independently and as part of a small team on location and with remote teams nationally and internationally to deliver consortium-based outputs Strategic thinker, adept at facilitating planning sessions and building and securing consensus Strong interpersonal skills; ability to develop networks within CFFRC and with its stakeholders Demonstrable negotiating skills; proven influencing skills in a global and multicultural context Proven leadership potential; able to inspire, encourage and enthuse team members and partners. Research Theme Leader (Agroprocessing and Bioproducts) core competencies The RTL will have relevant research expertise gained internationally in the academic and/or private sectors. He/she will have demonstrable programme management experience and leadership skills and will be proactive and comfortable working in a multicultural and international environment, a well-developed sense of academic integrity and professionalism and strong interpersonal skills. Research Theme Leader (Agroprocessing and Bioproducts) - qualifications Senior academic level experience and postdoctoral qualification in agriculture, food, nutrition, chemical engineering or plant-related sciences Additional international research project or commercial experience preferred Experience in academic administration and/or international project management Proven ability to manage staff in major international programmes.
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