PDRA EEO Fire Modelling

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious educational institution in Reading seeks a Postdoctoral Research Associate (PDRA) to focus on EEO Fire Modelling in the LEMONTREE project. The role involves extending a wildfire modelling framework and requires a PhD in environmental science, with strong programming skills in R and Python. The ideal candidate will also understand environmental wildfire controls and have experience with modelling approaches. This full-time position is fixed-term with the potential for extension, offering an exciting opportunity in a collaborative scientific environment.

Qualifications

• PhD required by the start date of the appointment.
• Good understanding of environmental controls on wildfires.
• Able to use own initiative and manage workload.

Responsibilities

• Extend the current EEO modelling framework for wildfire simulation.
• Incorporate modules for vegetation cover and fuel load.
• Evaluate and optimise modelling framework using experiments.

Skills

Programming skills in R

Programming skills in Python

Understanding of environmental controls on wildfires

Statistical and process-based modelling

Model evaluation approaches

Education

PhD in environmental science or related discipline

Job description

Position Details

Full time, fixed term contract (initially for 15 months with the potential for extension subject to funding). Closing date: 23:59 on 27/2/2026. Interview date: 11/3/2026. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

Role Overview

The PDRA in EEO Fire Modelling will work on the LEMONTREE (Land Ecosystem Models based On New Theory, observations and Experiments) project and will be part of a team of scientists developing a theoretical basis for modelling wildfire‑vegetation interactions, based on eco‑evolutionary optimality (EEO) theory. The PDRA will be explicitly responsible for extending the current EEO modelling framework to simulate wildfire occurrence on a weekly timestep, including incorporating modules for vegetation cover, fuel load and drying, and propensity to burn. They will also be responsible for evaluating and optimising the performance of the modelling framework using field and laboratory experiments.

Qualifications

• A PhD in environmental science or closely related discipline by the start date of the appointment
• A good understanding of the environmental controls on wildfires
• Familiarity with current statistical and process‑based approaches to wildfire modelling
• Broad understanding of eco‑evolutionary optimality concepts and modelling
• Good programming skills, specifically R and Python
• Familiarity with statistical approaches used for model evaluationPrevious research experience and publication record
• The ability to use own initiative and plan, manage and prioritise workload effectively to meet varied and strict project delivery deadlines

Interview Process

Interviews will be held in March 2025, with the expectation that the appointment will start as soon as possible thereafter.

Contact Details

Contact Name: Sandy P. Harrison
Contact Job Title: Professor
Contact Email address: [e-mail]

Diversity & Inclusion

The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job‑share, part‑time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.