Postdoctoral Research Officer

Applications are invited for a fixed-term, full-time Post-doctoral Research Officer post in the School of Environmental and Natural Sciences, Bangor University to work on the HABITAT project funded by the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate (GCBC) in collaboration with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Kenya.

The transdisciplinary project will focus on pasture biodiversity in the Kenyan Highlands. Smallholder pasture management plays an important role for biodiversity in this region. However, little is known about the effect of smallholders’ pasture management practices on pasture biodiversity or their trade-offs and synergies with climate resilience, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and livestock productivity. Adopting a multi-and transdisciplinary approach, we will investigate these interrelationships and stimulate citizen science and farmer to farmer scaling, complemented by modelling of the potential bottlenecks and opportunities to greater use of these practices. The project team combines expertise in farm-scale estimation of GHG emissions and economic modelling (Bangor University), social science, animal husbandry and production (ILRI) and pasture diversity (University of Eldoret). The successful candidate will integrate existing models of farm management & emissions combined with field data collection from households and biophysical data. There is also large scope for model development.

The successful candidate will be expected to meet online regularly with other project members in Kenya and to travel to Kenya. Their main responsibility will be to design, carry out and publish the interdisciplinary research proposed for the HABITAT project, and potentially seek additional funding to expand the research program.

This post is an ideal opportunity for an ambitious individual to demonstrate leadership in high-impact research. We seek an interactive, driven and talented individual with a strong interest in multi-disciplinary research.

Candidates should have a PhD (or equivalent) or be near completion of PhD in agricultural sciences, biological sciences, computer science or a related subject. Candidates must have published (or have in press) a minimum of 2 peer-reviewed papers in ISI accredited journals. An understanding of the subject area of this research is also necessary. Experience of LCA, model development or emissions modelling and working in interdisciplinary teams is highly desirable.

The successful candidate will be expected to commence as soon as possible and the post is available up to 30th November 2026.

This role will be located on campus at Bangor. Through our Dynamic Working framework , there will also be the option to spend some time working remotely (although remaining in the UK) to support work life balance, which will be discussed further with candidates at interview.

Applications will also be considered to carry out this role on a part-time or job share basis.

Informal enquiries can be made by contacting Dr James Gibbons, Senior Lecturer in Ecological Modelling, email: [email protected]

Apply online via the above ‘Apply’ button. However, in cases of access issues due to disability, paper application forms are available by telephoning 01248 383865.

Closing date for applications: 08 April 2024

Committed to Equal Opportunities