Postdoctoral Research Associate/Senior Research Officer - Life Sciences

University of Essex; Colchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading academic institution in Colchester is seeking a researcher to join a biodiversity project focusing on the Cauca River ecosystem. The role involves developing species distribution models, conducting analyses, and collaborating with legal experts. Ideal candidates possess a doctoral degree in ecology or related fields, strong skills in statistical programming with R, and a commitment to biodiversity policy. Applications can be made online.

Qualifications

• Doctoral level degree in ecology, environmental science, or related field.
• Proficiency in statistical programming using R.
• Experience with large environmental datasets is essential.
• Knowledge of freshwater ecosystem dynamics and restoration principles.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply species distribution models.
• Conduct trend attribution analysis linking biodiversity changes to armed conflict.
• Contribute to interdisciplinary expert reports.
• Process and analyze historical biodiversity data.
• Work with remote sensing data to assess catchment history.
• Present findings to stakeholders and local officials.

Skills

Statistical programming using R

Working with large environmental datasets

Strong communication skills

Fluency in Spanish

Education

Doctoral level degree in ecology or related subjects

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a researcher with expertise in species distribution modelling and biodiversity assessment to join Dr Martin Wilkes' research group, which specialises in informing freshwater biodiversity policy through ecological modelling.

Project context

Following an unprecedented decision by the Colombian Special Jurisdiction for Peace to recognise the Cauca River as a victim of war, the School of Life Sciences is collaborating with specialist Rights of Nature lawyers to develop a framework for determining war reparations for the river ecosystem. The project, funded by The British Academy, will combine legal scholarship with biodiversity modelling to set out concrete plans for restoring the Cauca River system, as well as creating a blueprint to advance understanding of how the rights of nature can be operationalised in the future.

Responsibilities

• Develop and apply species distribution models for fish and invertebrate populations in the river basin.
• Conduct trend attribution analysis linking biodiversity changes to the impacts of armed conflict.
• Contribute to an interdisciplinary expert report to the Colombian Special Jurisdiction for Peace.
• Process and analyse historical biodiversity data.
• Work with remote sensing data to assess catchment history.
• Present findings to legal teams, stakeholders, and local officials.

Facilities

The School of Life Sciences (University of Essex) provides access to a high-performance computer cluster and extensive research facilities supporting cutting-edge ecological research.

Qualifications

• Doctoral level degree in ecology, environmental science, freshwater biology or related subjects, or equivalent professional experience.
• Proficiency in statistical programming using R.
• Experience working with large environmental datasets.
• Knowledge of freshwater ecosystem dynamics and restoration principles.
• Ability and willingness to complement and enhance the school's education and research strengths and areas of planned development.
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, and the capacity to translate complex scientific findings for non-scientific audiences.
• Fluency in Spanish is desirable.

Community and inclusion

At the University of Essex, internationalism and diversity is central to who we are and what we do. We are committed to being a cosmopolitan, internationally oriented university that is welcoming to staff and students from all countries, faiths and backgrounds, where you can find the world in one place.

• Global Forum, a staff-led network that promotes and celebrates the rich cultural diversity among Essex staff.
• Colchester campus based Faith Centre, which hosts regular services, meetings and events organised by our chaplains and faith representatives.

How to apply

Please see the attached job pack, which contains a full job description and person specification outlining the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role plus more information relating to the post. Applications should be made online. If you would like advice or help in making an application, or need information in a different format, please email [e-mail]

*More information: Working at the University