Post-doctoral Research on the Lowland Agricultural Peat Water Discovery Pilot (LAPWDP) - Full time, fixed term until 31 January 2025

Location: Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB

Salary: Grade 8 £33,966 to £37,099 per annum (The point of entry will be dependent upon relevant qualifications and experience) 

Closing Date: 22 February 2024 

This appointment represents an exciting new development by the University to expand current research into the mapping of natural capital opportunities and ecosystem services e.g., the mitigation of greenhouse gas emissions (carbon footprints), biodiversity and nutrients; and the socioeconomics relating to these opportunities.

This project’s research group combines expertise in farm business management, cropping, hydrology, soil science, greenhouse gas emissions and sustainability, and both environmental and economic modelling with the objective of working together to find sustainable solutions to the climate challenges and biodiversity crisis facing UK lowland peat. Working in close partnership with our researchers, the successful candidate will be collating a wide variety of data relating to hydrology, biodiversity, soil, nutrient mitigation, farm infrastructure and business (socioeconomics). They will also be responsible for collecting hydrological data and the analysis of soil samples in the field and laboratory to identify opportunities for the monetisation of natural capital and ecosystem services whilst maintaining productivity. Full training can be provided for the soil analysis and collection of hydrological data.

Suitable candidates will hold a Ph.D. in an environmental science or agriculture and will have a good knowledge of, or a strong interest in sustainability or crop production, ideally in paludiculture (wet farming) systems. Expertise in socioeconomics, agriculture and data science/analysis, or evidence of significant interest in this area, is also required. The successful candidate will be working within an academic group including a range of research areas. The candidate will therefore need to be able to work within a diverse team and to communicate effectively with all industry stakeholders, including academics, industry professionals, and farmers. Evidence of research experience, including relevant publications in this or a related area is essential. In addition to delivering this specific research project within the strategic partnership, the postholder will also be expected to present findings at appropriate industry and academic meetings and to publish results in peer-reviewed journals.

If you have any queries or questions or for an informal discussion, please contact Julia Casperd [email protected] .

For further information about the University or to see full job description, please visit our website at www.harper-adams.ac.uk

Application Procedure:

Applications should be made by sending a full Curriculum Vitae (to include two referee details) and supporting statement, which clearly highlights how your skills and experience match the requirements of the role, to Jayne Weaver via email to [email protected]  by no later than midnight on 22 February 2024.

Should you require any adjustments to complete your application for this role then please contact [email protected] . 

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa in the please follow this link https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration  which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK and details about eligibility for sponsorship for a Skilled Worker Visa.