Job for Researchers: Director of Crop Improvement — NIAB, UK

About the role

This is one of the most influential scientific leadership roles in UK agri-science. As Director of Crop Improvement at NIAB, you will have full accountability for the Crop Improvement Service Group, covering pre-breeding, precision breeding and emerging biotechnology across agricultural and horticultural crops. The group’s portfolio is growing and becoming more commercially ambitious, offering a unique opportunity to shape the future of plant genomics and gene editing.

You will sit on NIAB’s Executive Team and on the Cropping Systems Senior Leadership Team, contributing to the organisation’s wider strategic direction. You will set the group’s strategy, grow its commercial portfolio, and ensure the science remains at the forefront of the field. You will represent NIAB nationally and internationally with funders including UKRI, BBSRC and Defra, as well as with plant breeders, seed companies and research partners across the sector. Working closely with the Head of Operations and Head of Science, you will turn ambition into delivery, balancing commercial growth with NIAB’s purpose as a not-for-profit organisation.

Key responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Crop Improvement Service Group, including pre-breeding, precision breeding and biotechnology programmes
• Develop and execute a strategic vision for the group aligned with NIAB’s wider goals
• Grow the commercial portfolio through research contracts, commercial services and licensing
• Engage with funders, policymakers and industry partners at senior levels
• Contribute to NIAB’s Executive Team and Cropping Systems Senior Leadership Team
• Ensure scientific excellence and commercial viability across all group activities

Person specification

Essential

• PhD-level qualification in plant science, genetics, genomics or a related discipline (or equivalent senior leadership experience)
• Proven track record of growing income from research contracts, commercial services or licensing
• Strong commercial acumen and strategic thinking
• Credibility to influence at board, funder and policy level
• Experience representing organisations at national and international level

Desirable

• MBA or equivalent qualification
• Experience of board-level engagement
• Familiarity with UK and EU funding mechanisms

What we offer

• Salary: £84,000 to £110,250 per annum
• Permanent contract, 37 hours per week
• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays and 3 additional days off during the Christmas period
• Flexible and hybrid working across Cambridge and East Malling
• Professional development opportunities
• Generous sick pay and attractive pension scheme
• Income protection and life assurance
• Employee discount scheme
• Free on-site parking

Location

Based at NIAB Park Farm Campus, Villa Road, Histon, Cambridge, CB24 9AT – 4 miles from Cambridge city centre. The campus offers free on-site parking, is linked by cycle ways, and has regular bus services to the city centre and railway station. It is close to Junction 32 of the A14, with easy access to the M11, A10 and A11.

About NIAB

NIAB is the UK’s leading crop science organisation, with research capabilities in plant genetics, agronomy, farming systems and data science. It has the largest national field trials capability and strong research links with industry, government and academia. Headquartered in Cambridge with regional offices across the country, NIAB employs over 350 people. The organisation actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and is a Disability Confident Employer.

How to apply

Please submit your application via the NIAB careers portal. Informal enquiries are welcome and can be directed to the Human Resources team at [email protected]. The closing date for applications is 30 July 2026. This role is based in the UK; you will be required to demonstrate your right to work in the UK as part of the recruitment process. Skilled Worker visa sponsorship may be considered where the role meets the relevant criteria. NIAB reserves the right to withdraw or close this vacancy at any time.

Additional information

NIAB is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates. We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected under the Equality Act 2010.

Original vacancy