Jobs at Harper Adams

Reader/Associate Professor in Sustainable Livestock Systems and Climate Resilience (0.2FTE, Fixed-term, 36 months, with the possibility of extension subject to funding and project requirements) (ML-2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The post-holder will serve as Principal Investigator for a major international research programme focused on enhancing the sustainability and climate resilience of livestock systems. Working in partnership with the Co-Investigator, the management team and international collaborators, the post-holder will contribute to both the strategic direction and scientific delivery of the project.

The role will combine scientific leadership with direct involvement in research activities, including the design and implementation of studies, development and evaluation of demonstration activities, supervision of researchers and students, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination of research findings. The post-holder will help ensure the successful delivery of project objectives while generating high-quality research outputs and practical impact for livestock producers, industry stakeholders and policymakers. The successful candidate will contribute to strengthening Harper Adams University's international reputation in sustainable livestock systems research and support the University's strategic ambitions in research excellence, innovation, sustainability and global engagement.

Required qualifications:

Essential

PhD in Animal Science, Livestock Science, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Climate Science, or a closely related discipline.

Established international research profile in a relevant field.

Strong publication record in high-quality peer-reviewed journals.

Desirable

Evidence of leadership within relevant scientific societies, networks or professional bodies.

The role will require periodic attendance at Harper Adams University, project meetings, stakeholder events, and occasional national and international travel.

If you have any queries or questions or for an informal discussion, please contact Michael Lee, via email mlee@harper-adams.ac.uk

Application Procedure:

Please apply online via the Harper Adams e-Recruitment programme at http://jobs.harper-adams.ac.uk submitting your CV and a personal statement outlining your suitability for the role. Your personal statement should clearly demonstrate how your skills, experience, and achievements meet the requirements outlined in the person specification. Applications without a personal statement may not be considered.

This role may be eligible at this time for visa sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route. If requiring visa sponsorship, it is the successful candidate's responsibility to ensure they meet the individual criteria to satisfy Home Office visa sponsorship requirements. If the role is offered on a part-time basis, this might also affect eligibility. More information on eligibility can be found on the Government website. Please note that the information provided in this advert is correct at the time of writing. The University cannot guarantee sponsorship, and we encourage you to keep up to date with any changes that the Home Office may introduce.

Closing Date: 22 Oct 2026

Department: Academic Staff

Salary: £59,966 per annum, pro rata

Clinical Teaching Fellow in Veterinary Clinical Sciences (KU00005196)

Wed, 07 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

We are looking for a highly motivated individual or individual(s) to join the academic team at Harper & Keele Veterinary School as a Clinical Teaching Fellow in Veterinary Sciences on a part-time basis from 0.2fte up to 0.8fte (fixed term)

The post holder will be a key part of the programme team focussing on the delivery of small group tutorial teaching and case-based learning which is integrated throughout the foundation phase of the Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine and Surgery (BVetMS) programme. The successful candidate must be a Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) (or be eligible for RCVS registration without the requirement to sit the statutory membership examination).

The CTF team contribute to the educational design and development of teaching materials and facilitate tutorials to provide clinical and professional contextualisation of the foundation sciences, including anatomy, physiology, animal management, behaviour and welfare and animal health sciences, and supporting student professional and personal development by providing tutoring in academic skills, professional behaviours, communication skills and reflective practice.

Opportunity to facilitate and deliver case-based learning in the 3^rd year of the programme, focussing on veterinary pathology and preparation for clinical practice will be available. The CTF team also support student wellbeing and pastoral care in conjunction with student academic mentors and central student support services.

The School recognises that its success depends upon the contribution and dedication of its talented staff. In return, we have a competitive benefits package available, including:

Competitive rate of pay with annual increments within the grade
Generous annual leave entitlement with opportunities to purchase additional leave
Excellent staff pension scheme
Access to continued personal, professional and career development
On site ‘outstanding’ nursery (Keele campus only)
Health and fitness facilities on site
Cycle to work scheme (subject to eligibility)

The Harper & Keele Veterinary School is committed to operating flexible working practices wherever possible. The Harper & Keele Veterinary School values equality and diversity across the workforce and ensuring our staff community is reflective of the diversity of our student population. In support of these commitments, we welcome applications from individuals of Black, Asian, and ethnic minority backgrounds.

Please note this appointment is subject to medical clearance by the University’s Occupational Health provider.

The starting salary will be at the beginning of the pay scale for the grade.

For full post details and to find out more about working at Keele please visit: www.keele.ac.uk/vacancies

For informal enquiries: Contact Ruth Corbett, Harper Adams CTF Team Co-Lead, r.a.corbett@hkvets.ac.uk or Claire Piller, Keele CTF Co-Lead c.l.piller@hkvets.ac.uk

Closing date for applications: 21 October 2026

Interview date: 5 November 2026

Post reference: KU00005196

Closing Date: 21 Oct 2026

Department: Academic Staff

Salary: Starting Range: Grade 7: £38,784 - £47,389 per annum (pro rata according to FTE)

Paralegal - Information Governance (Full Time, Maternity cover up to 12 months duration) (DE-2248)

Mon, 05 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Our Legal Services Team plays a vital role in upholding these standards, providing expert advice and support across the whole University. As a Paralegal (Maternity Cover) within our small but busy team, you’ll be primarily focused in ensuring our university’s adherence to data protection laws, managing responses to Freedom of Information requests, and enhancing overall data security practices The role involves working closely with colleagues within the team, as well as the wider Office of the University Secretary, handling legal documentation, conducting legal research, and providing administrative support to help ensure the University’s compliance with relevant regulations.

The appointee will also be expected to:

Manage and coordinate responses to Freedom of Information requests
Collaborate with relevant University departments to gather information necessary for responses
Work closely with the Legal team in respect of data protection issues, including the identification, management, and resolution of personal data breaches.
Support the Legal team in conducting assessments and audits to ensure compliance with relevant regulations, including identifying opportunities to simplify and streamline the process using technology
Work closely with relevant University teams to implement and monitor data security measures, including drafting and advising on data sharing agreements.
Conduct legal research on a range of issues to support the legal team
Analyse statutes, case law, and legal precedents relevant to issues affecting the University, including horizon scanning and assisting with forward planning

Experience/Qualifications:

A strong educational background including a good honours degree or significant relevant experience in an information compliance role.
A proven ability to work with other team members by providing well informed advice and guidance and drafting letters/reports/agreement etc.
An ability to engage with stakeholders who are not legally qualified to ensure they understand the legal position and can be advised and supported to reach a workable solution to a legal issue.

If you have any queries or questions or for an informal discussion, please contact David Edwards, Head of Legal.

Should you require any adjustments to complete your application for this role then please contact vacancies@harper-adams.ac.uk

This position is not expected to meet the criteria required for the University to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship. Applications from candidates who need sponsorship to work in the UK will be assessed in line with the requirements outlined in the recruitment documentation. All hiring decisions will follow the guidance set by UK Visas and Immigration

Closing Date: 25 Oct 2026

Department: Support Staff

Salary: £28,778 to £31,236 per annum
The point of entry will depend upon relevant qualifications and experience.

Deputy Research Office Manager (Full Time, Permanent) (DA-2233)

Tue, 29 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Harper Adams University is looking to recruit a full-time Deputy Research Office Manager. The successful candidate will provide comprehensive, proactive and professional management of the Research Office and research administration as the Deputy to the Research Office Coordinator in support of the APVC (Research &Research Culture) and the Deputy Vice Chancellor. The role requires an individual who is versatile, effective and organised and can manage several pieces of work concurrently. The Research Office provides a wide range of research-related services to the University including application preparation support and coordinating research application submissions. It is essential the post-holder has an interest and understanding of these activities. The Research Office also provides key support to the Deputy Vice Chancellor and the APVC R&RC with the strategic oversight of research across the University.

The successful application will be educated to degree level or holding a relevant Praxis qualification, or equivalent knowledge and experience gained through professional practice, along with experience within the HE sector within the UK. Experience of managing research-related administration, efficiently and accurately with initiative and without close supervision.

If you have any queries or questions or for an informal discussion, please contact Dawn Arnold via email at darnold@harper-adams.ac.uk

Should you require any adjustments to complete your application for this role then please contact vacancies@harper-adams.ac.uk

Closing Date: 11 Oct 2026

Department: Support Staff

Salary: £28,778 to £34,610 per annum
The point of entry will depend upon relevant qualifications and experience.

Self-Funded PhD/MPhil Research Degree- May 2027 (GRADUATE-SCHOOL-PHD-MAY27)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This application portal is to be used by candidates wishing to self-funded a place on research degree programme at Harper Adams University (MPhil or PhD) starting May 2027. Applicants must have their own, their employer's, their Government's or another source of research funding available to them. A letter of "Confirmation of funding" must be attached/uploaded during the application process.

Candidates are strongly encouraged to submit a Research Proposal where possible, as this provides the best opportunity to demonstrate the research skills, critical thinking and ability to develop a coherent doctoral-level project that will be required for successful MPhil/PhD research.

Where a candidate has a clear area of research interest but is not yet in a position to develop a specific proposal, a Research Interest Statement may be submitted instead. This will enable the University to consider the candidate's research interests, experience and potential alignment with appropriate research expertise and supervision at Harper Adams. Further guidance is provided below.

Research Proposal

Candidates should submit a brief research proposal of approximately 1,500 words outlining the proposed area of research and the context in which the study would be undertaken. The proposal should demonstrate the candidate's understanding of the research area and their ability to develop a coherent and feasible programme of research at Harper Adams University.

The proposal should include:

Research context and rationale: An overview of the proposed area of study, explaining why the topic is important and relevant.
Engagement with existing research: A critical discussion of relevant literature and current knowledge, identifying key issues, uncertainties or gaps that the proposed research could address.
Research aim and questions: A clear statement of the overall aim of the research and the principal questions or objectives that the project would seek to address.
Proposed approach: An indication of how the research might be undertaken, including appropriate methodologies, sources of evidence or data, and methods of analysis where these can be identified at this stage.
Feasibility and requirements: Consideration of any particular facilities, resources, data, equipment, fieldwork, participant access or other requirements that may be necessary to undertake the research.
Contribution and impact: An indication of how the research could contribute to knowledge, professional practice, industry, policy or wider society, as appropriate to the field.
Fit with Harper Adams: An explanation of how the proposed area of research aligns with relevant expertise, facilities or research activity at Harper Adams.

The proposal is not expected to represent a final research plan. Candidates may refine their research questions, objectives and methodology through discussion with prospective supervisors and during the development of the project.

If a pre-specified proposal is required for an external funding body, then candidates should discuss this with potential supervisors before they write their proposal.

Research Interest Statement

If candidates do not yet have a specific research proposal, they should submit a research interest statement of approximately 1,500 words outlining their broad research interests and their motivation for undertaking a research degree at Harper Adams University.

The statement should include:

Area of research interest: An overview of the subject area, topics or challenges that the candidate is interested in exploring through research.
Potential research direction: An indication of the issues, problems or questions that the candidate might like to investigate. A fully developed research question is not required at this stage.
Alignment with Harper Adams: Identification of the Harper Adams research group(s) and potential supervisors within that group who the candidate would seek to work with.
Academic and professional background: Relevant academic study, employment, professional practice or other experience that has informed the candidate's research interests and prepared them for research degree study.
Research experience and methodological interests: An overview of previous research experience and any research methods, analytical approaches or specialist techniques with which the candidate has experience or would be interested in developing.
Motivation for undertaking a research degree: An explanation of why the candidate wishes to undertake an MPhil or PhD and how research degree study relates to their academic, professional or longer-term aspirations.
Why Harper Adams: An explanation of why the candidate wishes to undertake research at Harper Adams and why they consider the University a suitable environment in which to develop their research.
Potential contribution and impact: An indication of what the candidate would ultimately like their research to contribute to knowledge, professional practice, industry, policy or wider society, as appropriate to their area of interest.

Candidates are not expected to have developed a definitive research question, methodology or project plan at this stage. The statement should enable the University to understand the candidate's research interests, experience and aspirations, and to consider how these might align with appropriate research expertise and potential supervision at Harper Adams.

Additional Guidance

You will be asked to identify a research centre or group as part of your application. This helps ensure your project aligns with research activity undertaken at Harper Adams University. Please visit: Our Research Centres for more information. Should your project not fit under one of these research centres or groups, please select the centre most aligned to your proposed lead supervisor.

Where you are required to upload a document that is not appropriate for your application, please upload a word document stating "Not Applicable".

Please note that due to the time required to conduct the recruitment process, the minimum time to be able to provide a conditional offer letter is typically four weeks.

International Applicants

We welcome applications from candidates from the UK and across the world. Harper Adams is home to an international community of students and staff from more than 30 countries. Further information for international applicants, including guidance on student visas and living in the UK, is available on our International Students webpages.

International applicants should familiarise themselves with the University’s English Language Policy, visa information and application guidance, before submitting an application.

Closing Date: 28 Feb 2027

Department: Self-Funded Research Degrees

Self-Funded PhD/MPhil Research Degree- Oct 2027 (GRADUATE-SCHOOL-PHD-OCT27)

Mon, 28 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

This application portal is to be used by candidates wishing to self-funded a place on research degree programme at Harper Adams University (MPhil or PhD) starting October 2027. Applicants must have their own, their employer's, their Government's or another source of research funding available to them. A letter of "Confirmation of funding" must be attached/uploaded during the application process.

Research Proposal

The proposal should include:

Research context and rationale: An overview of the proposed area of study, explaining why the topic is important and relevant.
Engagement with existing research: A critical discussion of relevant literature and current knowledge, identifying key issues, uncertainties or gaps that the proposed research could address.
Research aim and questions: A clear statement of the overall aim of the research and the principal questions or objectives that the project would seek to address.
Proposed approach: An indication of how the research might be undertaken, including appropriate methodologies, sources of evidence or data, and methods of analysis where these can be identified at this stage.
Feasibility and requirements: Consideration of any particular facilities, resources, data, equipment, fieldwork, participant access or other requirements that may be necessary to undertake the research.
Contribution and impact: An indication of how the research could contribute to knowledge, professional practice, industry, policy or wider society, as appropriate to the field.
Fit with Harper Adams: An explanation of how the proposed area of research aligns with relevant expertise, facilities or research activity at Harper Adams.

If a pre-specified proposal is required for an external funding body, then candidates should discuss this with potential supervisors before they write their proposal.

Research Interest Statement

The statement should include:

Area of research interest: An overview of the subject area, topics or challenges that the candidate is interested in exploring through research.
Potential research direction: An indication of the issues, problems or questions that the candidate might like to investigate. A fully developed research question is not required at this stage.
Alignment with Harper Adams: Identification of the Harper Adams research group(s) and potential supervisors within that group who the candidate would seek to work with.
Academic and professional background: Relevant academic study, employment, professional practice or other experience that has informed the candidate's research interests and prepared them for research degree study.
Research experience and methodological interests: An overview of previous research experience and any research methods, analytical approaches or specialist techniques with which the candidate has experience or would be interested in developing.
Motivation for undertaking a research degree: An explanation of why the candidate wishes to undertake an MPhil or PhD and how research degree study relates to their academic, professional or longer-term aspirations.
Why Harper Adams: An explanation of why the candidate wishes to undertake research at Harper Adams and why they consider the University a suitable environment in which to develop their research.
Potential contribution and impact: An indication of what the candidate would ultimately like their research to contribute to knowledge, professional practice, industry, policy or wider society, as appropriate to their area of interest.

Additional Guidance

Where you are required to upload a document that is not appropriate for your application, please upload a word document stating "Not Applicable".

Please note that due to the time required to conduct the recruitment process, the minimum time to be able to provide a conditional offer letter is typically four weeks.

International Applicants

International applicants should familiarise themselves with the University’s English Language Policy, visa information and application guidance, before submitting an application.

Closing Date: 30 Jul 2027

Department: Self-Funded Research Degrees

Self funded research degree - Feb. 2027 start (MPhil/PhD) Please state on your application if you are applying for an MPhil or PhD. (DA-004326)

Tue, 01 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Self-Funded PhD Research Studentship (February 2027 start)

This form is only to be used by those self-funded applicants seeking a place on a research degree programme at Harper Adams University (MPhil or PhD).

Applicants must have their own, their employer's or their Government's funding. A letter of "Confirmation of funding" must be attached/uploaded during the application process.

Candidates should supply a brief research proposal of 2-4 pages. This should include a brief literature review to the research question including identification of the knowledge gaps, clearly identify the aims of the research and briefly detail the methodology and resources required.

If candidates do not have a specific research proposal prepared, then they should write two or three sentences on an academic area of interest in which they wish to study for a PhD.

If a more detailed proposal is required for an external funding body, then candidates should discuss this with potential supervisors before they write the proposal.

Please state on your application if you are applying for a MPhil or PhD.

Where you are required to upload a document that is not appropriate, please upload a word document stating "Not Applicable".

Please note that due to the time required to conduct the recruitment process, the minimum time to be able to provide a conditional offer letter is typically eight weeks.

Closing Date: 30 Nov 2026

Department: Self-Funded Research Degrees

Funded PhD Studentship: Robotics for farming deployment (PHD-FAC-01-R)

Mon, 24 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Project Title: Robotics for farming deployment

Primary supervisor: Prof. Fernando Auat Cheein

Co supervisors: TBC

Expected Start date and location

February 2027, based at Harper Adams University, Edgmond, Shropshire, UK.

Project

We are seeking a highly motivated PhD candidate to join our research team working at the intersection of robotics, artificial intelligence, and agriculture. The project will focus on the development and application of robotic systems with articulated arms for fruit handling, harvesting, and other farming operations.

The successful candidate will investigate the integration of vision systems and AI techniques for perception, decision-making, and control, enabling robots to operate reliably in complex agricultural environments. The research will involve design, experimentation, and validation of robotic approaches tailored to real-world farming needs.

Applicants

Applicants must hold a minimum of an upper second class (2:1) honours degree, or equivalent in a relevant discipline or a 2.2 alongside a relevant Master's degree with Merit, or potential for research based on alternative qualifications/experience judged acceptable by the university.

Funding

The studentship benefits from a yearly stipend, paid in monthly instalments. For 2026/7 this equates to £21,805.00 per year, with potential increases each academic year in line with UKRI.

International applicants would need to be able to fund the difference between home and overseas fees (£16,960.00 for the 2026/7 academic year) with a proportion being paid in full before Visa documentation can be issued. Please note that due to time constraints for Visa applications, the start date must be February 2027.

Closing Date: 23 Oct 2026

Department: Research Degree Studentships

CURRENT HARPER ADAMS STAFF ONLY: Part-time PhD (PHD-STAFF-2026-2027-R)

Thu, 13 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

HAU Staff Part-Time PhD

If a member of staff would like to carry out a part-time (PT) PhD at HAU the following conditions apply.

PT PhDs would run for 6 years.
The proposed research project must align with the university’s research strategy and areas of research activity.
In an academic year only 1 member of staff per department/facility can start a PT PhD.
Fees will be waivered against the continual professional development fund.
Supervisors can apply for up to £10k from QR for project costs over the 6 years of the PhD.
Half a day a week will be given for the PhD time under the work load model.
If a member of staff leaves the employment of HAU within 2 years of completing their PhD they will be responsible for reimbursing the fees in line with HR policy.

Staff wishing to carry out a PT PhD at HAU should follow the following procedure.

Academic staff

Staff to discuss their interest in carrying out a PT PhD with their PDR reviewer. If the PDR reviewer is not the applicant’s HoD the reviewer may also need to discuss this with the HoD.
By 31^st October – staff submit a PhD application through Stonefish. The application needs to include;
- PhD proposal including identified supervisors and indicative project costs.
- A letter explaining why they wish to carry out a PT PhD while employed by HAU.
- A letter of support from their HoD which confirms that the time allocation of half a day a week has been agreed under the WL plan and this resource can be covered within the department.
November – all applications will be assessed with respect to the university’s standard PhD entry requirements and applicants will be informed about interviews as soon as is reasonably practical. Applications will be assessed by Associate Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research) (ARVCR) and Head of the Harper Adams Graduate School (HoHAG)
December/January – applicants will be interviewed by the APVCR, HoHAG, proposed DoS and a research active colleague with subject expertise. If successful the workload allocation will be made for the next academic year.
Applicants will attend the PGR student induction and start their PhD end September/early October.

Professional Services staff follow the above procedure with sign off from their line manager and Head of Department. They can submit their application at any time and if successful they will be able to start their PhD on the next appropriate PhD start date (e.g. September/October, April) as agreed with their line manager and the PGR Office.

Closing Date: 30 Jul 2027

Department: Research Degree Studentships