Postdoctoral Researcher in Livestock Systems – Postdoctoral Researcher in Livestock Systems

RFCSR; Reading; On-site; GBP 37,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Reading invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Livestock Systems. The role supports the PATHWAYS project, focusing on sustainable livestock futures in Europe, with opportunities to contribute to model-based assessments and stakeholder engagement across partners.

The successful candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant field, demonstrate strong analytical skills, and publish research findings in peer-reviewed outlets.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant discipline with a focus on food, agriculture or sustainability.
• Strong ability to synthesise complex quantitative assessments and communicate results clearly.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize results from model-based sustainability assessments (e.g., LCA, spatial analysis, scenario modelling).
• Design and facilitate structured stakeholder workshops.
• Contribute to high-quality research outputs including publications and project deliverables.
• Engage with partners across the agri-food sector in Europe.

Skills

Analytical skills

Workshop facilitation

Multidisciplinary collaboration

Stakeholder engagement

LCA tools

R

Python

Education

PhD in food/agriculture/sustainability

Tools

R

Python

Qualitative analysis software

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher in Livestock Systems – Postdoctoral Researcher in Livestock Systems

University of Reading
Reading, Southern England, United Kingdom

Join a dynamic research team at the University of Reading as a Postdoctoral Researcher in Livestock Systems, contributing to a Horizon 2020 research initiative focused on sustainability transitions in European livestock systems. This full-time, fixed-term role (until 31 August 2026) is embedded within the PATHWAYS project, which brings together interdisciplinary expertise to evaluate and guide sustainable food and agriculture futures. The post offers an exceptional opportunity to synthesise results from model-based sustainability assessments (such as life-cycle assessments, spatial analysis, and scenario modelling) to identify optimal pathways for future livestock systems and contribute to shaping forward-looking research agendas. Critical contributions include integrating and interpreting existing research outputs, designing stakeholder and scientific workshops, producing project deliverables and peer-reviewed publications, and engaging with a diverse range of partners across the agri-food sector in Europe. Applicants will be part of a collaborative team that values inclusive research co-creation with farmers, supply-chain actors, NGOs, policymakers and citizens.

Eligibility Criteria
A successful candidate will hold a PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline within the natural or social sciences with a clear focus on food, agriculture or sustainability, and will demonstrate research experience pertinent to livestock systems.

Require expertise, skills
Essential skills include strong analytical and organisational capability for synthesising complex quantitative assessments, designing and facilitating structured methods (such as workshops or interviews), and contributing to high-quality research outputs. Experience of working with multidisciplinary teams, conducting structured stakeholder engagements and contributing to publications and presentations is expected. Additional desirable skills include familiarity with qualitative analysis software, LCA tools, coding languages (such as R or Python) and the ability to work independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary environment.

Salary details
The role offers a competitive salary in the range of £36,636 to £46,049 per year, commensurate with experience.

Application Deadline
Applications were invited to be submitted by 31 January 2026 at 23:59 GMT.