Post-Doctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) in EEO Carbon Allocation Modelling

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to engage in a project focused on carbon allocation modeling. The ideal candidate should possess a PhD in environmental science and have a strong understanding of eco-evolutionary theory. Responsibilities include designing evaluation approaches and collaborating with an interdisciplinary team. Applications are welcomed from diverse candidates.

Qualifications

• A PhD in environmental science or closely related discipline by appointment start date.
• Broad understanding of eco-evolutionary optimality concepts.
• Practical experience using site and global data sets.

Responsibilities

• Design an approach to evaluate carbon allocation to non-structural carbohydrates.
• Evaluate and optimize performance using field and lab experiments.
• Collaborate with project scientists at various institutions.

Skills

Programming skills

Understanding of eco-evolutionary optimality

Use of site and global data sets for model evaluation

Research experience

Education

PhD in environmental science or related discipline

Job description

Overview

Full time, Fixed Term (up to 20 months). Closing date: 23:59 30 September 2025. Interview date: 10 October 2026 (with the expectation that the appointment will start as soon as possible thereafter).

Role and responsibilities

The PDRA EEO Carbon Allocation 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 an integrated model of plant carbon allocation, based on eco-evolutionary optimality theory. The PDRA will be explicitly responsible for designing an approach to evaluate and model carbon allocation to non-structural carbohydrates and reproduction. They will also be responsible for evaluating and optimising the performance of the new components using field and laboratory experiments. The PDRA will be based at the University of Reading. They will collaborate with project scientists involved in the LEMONTREE Carbon Allocation Group at the University of Reading, Imperial College, London and Tsinghua University. The postholder will also be expected to interact with other members of the LEMONTREE team.

Ideal candidate / Qualifications

• A PhD in environmental science or closely related discipline by the start date of the appointment
• Broad understanding of eco-evolutionary optimality concepts and modelling
• Practical experience in using site and global data sets for model evaluation
• Good programming skills
• Familiarity with relevant data sources for model evaluation
• Previous 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.

Contact details

Contact Name
Contact Job Title Professor
Contact Email address [e-mail]
Alternative Contact Name Sophia Cain
Alternative Contact Job Title Lemontree Project Coordinator
Alternative Contact Email address [e-mail]

Sponsorship and equality

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. 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.