Research Associate in Mathematical Ecology

Job Purpose

We are seeking a highly motivated postdoctoral associate to develop a mathematical framework able to model the population dynamics of migratory wildebeest in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania in relation to increased human activity and environmental disturbance.

The successful applicant will make a leading contribution to the NERC funded project titled “Revealing the hidden effects of anthropogenic disturbance on the spatiotemporal dynamics of animal populations”, working with Prof. Colin Torney, Prof. Grant Hopcraft, and Prof. Juan Morales at the University of Glasgow. The aim of this project is to relate empirical individual-based movement, activity, and physiology data to population responses, particularly to meet the challenges in evaluating scenarios of different climate, management, or intervention strategies. The post holder will employ a combination of mathematical modelling and data analysis techniques in order to evaluate future and current population-level response to environmental change. We are looking for someone with expertise in one or several of the following; integral projection models, movement ecology, population ecology, machine learning, or animal-borne telemetry.

The successful candidate will also be expected to lead in the formulation and submission of research publications and to contribute to the development of future research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

1.        Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2.        Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

3.        Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/ School/ Research Group, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

4.        Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

5.        Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

6.        Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

7.        Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. Academic and Industrial Partners).

8.        Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.

9.        Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

10.     Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

11.     Make a leading contribution to Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.

12.     Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

13.     Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

14.     Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/Director of Research Institute.

15.     Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Qualifications

Essential: 

A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)

Knowledge & Skills

Essential:

C1 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism

C2 Knowledge of integral projection models and/or quantitative methods in movement and behavioural ecology.

C3 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher

C4 Proficiency of programming using Python or similar language.

Desirable

D1 Knowledge of deep learning frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E2 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.

E3 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.

E4 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design & analysis of experiments & drafting of papers.

E5 Experience in undertaking independent research.

E6 Experience with working with large-scale ecological data sets.

Closing date:  9 April 2024

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 - £44,263 per annum.

This post is full time, and has funding for up to 2 years.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.