Postdoctoral Research Associate (Crop Pollination)

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

Job summary

The University of Reading is seeking an ecologist to join the AGRI4POL project aimed at promoting sustainable agriculture for pollinators. The successful candidate will be involved in research to enhance biodiversity and crop pollination services through field trials, collaboration with European partners, and developing impactful guidance. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to critical ecosystem services and influence policy.

Qualifications

• PhD required in agriculture, ecological, or environmental science.
• Experience implementing ecological fieldwork appreciated.
• Strong analytical and communication skills are crucial.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate ecological field trials to quantify effects on pollinators.
• Collaborate with European project partners across study locations.
• Develop sustainable pollination guidance for businesses and policy.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Fieldwork implementation

Knowledge of entomology

Knowledge of agriculture

Education

PhD in agriculture, ecological, or environmental science

Job description

Closing date: 4th July 2025 at 23:59

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. Successful candidates not already holding a Skilled Worker visa issued before 4 th April 2024 will have to have been 'awarded' their PhD before being able to be sponsored. There is further information about visas on the UK Visas and Immigration Website .

This is an exciting opportunity to support European governments, farmers and land managers in moving towards more sustainable crop production through effective pollination. We are seeking an ecologist to join the world class pollinator team at the University of Reading as part of the AGRI4POL (Promoting sustainable agriculture for pollinators) project.

The successful candidate will contribute to the project by: (i) coordinating ecological field trials quantify the effects of agronomic and land use factors on pollinators and pollination; (ii) collaborate with European project partners to measure pollinators and pollination across several study locations and (iii) develop guidance on sustainable pollination for business and policy.

AGRI4POL's ambition is to assist the transition of agriculture from being a pressure on pollinators to becoming a positive force for managing and restoring pollinator biodiversity, crop pollination services, and co-benefits to ecosystems and people. This role will help provide critical evidence and guidance for developing policies and practices to meet these ambitious goals.

The post is a 36-month fixed term contract based at in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development , at the University of Reading, with opportunities to attend meetings and collaborate with leading European researchers, policy makers and practitioners.

You will have:

• A PhD in agriculture, ecological, or environmental science,
• Knowledge of entomology and agriculture,
• Experience implementing ecological fieldwork,
• Strong analytical skills to synthesise complex data,
• Excellent written, verbal and visual communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences using different formats,
• Experience of working with farmers or in agroecosystems.

Interviews will be held: 29 th of July 2025

Contact Details:

Contact Name Michael Garratt

Contact Job Title Professor of Agroecology

Contact Email address [e-mail]

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.