Post-doctoral Research Associate

University of Reading; Reading; On-site; GBP 34,000 - 41,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Reading invites applications for a Post-doctoral Research Associate to join the PMTTA team, examining social-biodiversity and bioeconomy in Amazon communities. The role involves remote sensing data collection, analysis, and collaboration with UK and Brazilian partners.

The candidate should hold a PhD (or near completion) in Geography or Environmental Science, with strong remote sensing and socio-science skills, and a track record of publications.

Qualifications

• PhD (or near completion) in Geography, Environmental Science or closely related discipline by start date
• Broad up-to-date knowledge of remote sensing applications in tropical forests
• Practical experience conducting land-use/land-cover remote sensing surveys
• Familiarity with data sources for remotely sensed data in Brazilian Amazon
• Working knowledge of social-science methodologies (ethnography, qualitative methods)
• Record of publication appropriate to career stage

Responsibilities

• Conduct community-based participatory remote sensing data collection and integrate with other data sources
• Perform comparative remote sensing analyses of land-use/land-cover
• Write reports for submission to research sponsors
• Provide research support for figures, liaise with Brazilian counterparts and UKRI data centres, contribute to peer-reviewed publications and dissemination

Skills

Remote sensing

Qualitative methods

Publication record

Geographic information systems

Education

PhD in Geography or Environmental Science

Job description

Post-doctoral Research Associate

Whiteknights 03/12/2026

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.

The Further Particulars for each job are in PDF format, which can be read by Adobe Acrobat or Acrobat Reader. To download a free version of Acrobat Reader, please click on the link below:

Job details

Salary £37,369 per annum

Contractual hours 35

Basis Full time

Region South

Job category/type Academic and Research, Research

Date posted 06/11/2026

Job reference SRF54670

Attachments Job description & person specification_PDRA_SRF54670.pdf

Job description

This role is Full-time, fixed term for 12 Months (with possibility for 6-month extension).

Closing date: 23:59 on 3rd December 2026

Inetrview date: 17 th December 2027 (may be subject to change)

Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.

There may be costs associated with a visa application, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which are not paid for by the University of Reading and cannot be claimed back. For further information on potential costs please visit: Healthcare Surcharge Information GOV.UK

The Department of Geography and Environmental Science, in the School of Archaeology Geography and Environmental Science, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join PMTTA (Participatory Monitoring of Traditional Territories in the Amazon). Part of the UKRI-CNPq funded Amazon+10 Programme, PMTTA brings together the University of Reading, Federal University of Para, and 8 other Brazilian research institutions to examine the relationship between social-biodiversity and bioeconomy in 9 traditional communities across the Amazon.

As a researcher on the project, working with the Principal Investigator, Dr Ben Coles, Co-Co-Principal Investigator Professor Nirvia Ravena (Federal University of Para) and other members of the project team, you will:

• Conduct community-based participatory remote sensing data collection and integrate this data with other remotely sensed data/geo-spatial data
• Conduct comparative remote sensing analysis of traditional community and non-community land-use/land-cover and lead on Remote Sensing Analysis
• Write reports for submission to research sponsors as requested
• Provide research support in relation to the preparation of figures, liaison with Brazilian counter parts and UKRI data centres, inputs to publications, as well as to lead on specific peer-revied publications and scientific dissemination activities

You will have:

• A PhD (or near completion) in Geography, Environmental Science or closely related discipline by the start date of the appointment
• Broad up-to-date knowledge of remote sensing applications in tropical forests
• Practical experience conducting land-use/land-cover remote sensing surveys
• Familiarity with relevant data sources for remotely sensed data in Brazilian Amazon
• Working knowledge social-science methodologies (i.e. ethnography, qualitative methods, etc).
• Record of publication appropriate to career stage

Contact details: Dr Ben Coles, Lecturer in Human Geography, [e-mail]

We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.

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.