Network Manager, Biomass Biorefinery Network

Role Description

Department of Biology

The Biomass Biorefinery Network (BBNet) is a BBSRC-funded Network in Industrial Biotechnology and Bioenergy. These networks were established to encourage collaboration between academic researchers and business at all levels, in order to find new approaches through excellent research to tackle challenges and help deliver key benefits in industrial biotechnology and bioenergy. BBNet was established in 2019 and has over 1100 members drawn from academia, industry and other organisations.

BBNet is directed by Professor Neil Bruce and is based in the Department of Biology. BBNet’s specific aims are to:

• Promote discovery, development and application of new and improved processes for the conversion of non-food biomass into sustainable biofuels, biochemicals and biomaterial.

• Facilitate partnership and knowledge transfer between UK academia and industry.

• Provide inspirational leadership to the industrial biotechnology community in the UK and internationally.

The role is full time (37 hours per week) and hours can be worked flexibly, and is offered at a grade 7 project management role. There will be some travel to meetings in the UK.  

Role

The role of this Network Manager is to develop and deliver BBNet's portfolio of activities specifically connected to funding awards and strategic projects. You will make a positive contribution to the success of BBNet by managing all aspects of the BBNet funding – these are funds which BBNet awards for proof of concept research projects, business interaction vouchers and other schemes such as scale-up funding. This includes designing and promoting funding calls, ensuring the different review processes are adhered to, monitoring progress, checking final reports and tracking projects for impact. 

In addition you will be responsible for BBNet events planning and delivery. You will work with the BBNet Executive Group and Management Board to determine priorities.  

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• You will be educated to degree level. 
• You should have experience of project management within an academic research or a membership organisation context. In addition to a broad understanding of industrial biotechnology and the bioeconomy, you will have good research skills so that you can support the Network Director in developing new areas of interest.
•  You will need excellent communication skills and be able to write confidently for a range of audiences such as policy makers, industrialists and scientists.
•  You will be able to prioritise your own workload and that of a small team to meet deadlines. A positive and resilient manner is essential.

Interview date: 8 November 2023

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork