Post-Doctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) in Functional Biodiversity

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned academic institution in Reading is seeking a highly qualified PDRA in Functional Biodiversity. This role involves conducting statistical analysis, developing theoretical models, and collaborating with international scientists. Ideal candidates will possess a PhD in environmental science and robust programming skills. This position is full time with a fixed term of up to 20 months and encourages diverse applications.

Qualifications

• PhD by appointment start date.
• Good understanding of functional traits and biodiversity.
• Good programming skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct statistical analysis of plant trait data.
• Develop a theoretical basis for a modelling framework.
• Evaluate performance using experiments.

Skills

Statistical analysis

Programming skills

Understanding of functional traits and biodiversity

Knowledge of eco-evolutionary optimality

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).

The PDRA in Functional Biodiversity 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 functional biodiversity, based on eco-evolutionary optimality (EEO) theory. The PDRA will be explicitly responsible for statistical analysis of plant trait data and the development of a theoretical basis linking functional trait diversity to environmental constraints, as a basis for developing a EEO modelling framework. They will also be responsible for evaluating and optimising the performance of the modelling framework using field and laboratory experiments. They will collaborate with project scientists involved in the LEMONTREE Functional Biodiversity 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.

Responsibilities

• Conduct statistical analysis of plant trait data.
• Develop a theoretical basis linking functional trait diversity to environmental constraints, as a basis for a Functional Biodiversity modelling framework based on eco-evolutionary optimality (EEO).
• Evaluate and optimise the performance of the modelling framework using field and laboratory experiments.
• Collaborate with project scientists at the University of Reading, Imperial College London and Tsinghua University and interact with other LEMONTREE team members.

Qualifications and Skills

• A PhD in environmental science or closely related discipline by the start date of the appointment.
• A good understanding of functional traits and biodiversity, and the environmental controls on these.
• Broad understanding of eco-evolutionary optimality concepts and modelling.
• 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

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

Alternative Contact Name: Sophia Cain
Alternative Contact Title: Lemontree Project Coordinator
Email: [e-mail]

Additional Information

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.