Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery | Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ecology and Environmental Data Science

General Information

The project combines large-scale camera trap datasets with quantitative ecological analysis to examine biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and productivity across contrasting landscapes. The successful candidate will contribute to image processing, functional trait analysis, statistical modelling, and the estimation of energetic flows within ecological communities, helping to identify ecological responses that are not captured by conventional biodiversity metrics.

We are seeking a candidate who holds, or is close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in ecology, environmental science, geography, conservation science, data science, or a related discipline. You should have experience working with ecological or environmental datasets, strong quantitative and analytical skills, and familiarity with computational or AI-assisted analytical tools. The ability to contribute to collaborative research, publications, and wider academic activities is essential.

The role offers the opportunity to work within an interdisciplinary research environment focused on nature recovery, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience.

This post is fixed term for 12 months from start date and offered on a full-time basis (1 FTE / 37.5 hours).

Responsibilities

• Manage own academic research and administrative activities. This involves small scale project management,to co-ordinate multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines
• Have expertise in camera trap data analysis, biodiversity assessment, and quantitative ecological methods
• Adapt existing and develop new research methodologies and materials
• Prepare working theories and analyse qualitative and/or quantitative data from a variety of sources,reviewing and refining theories as appropriate
• Contribute ideas for new research projects
• Develop ideas for generating research income, and present detailed research proposals to senior researchers
• Collaborate in the preparation of research publications, and book chapters
• Present papers at conferences or public meetings
• Act as a source of information and advice to other members of the group on methodologies or procedures
• Represent the research group at external meetings/seminars, either with other members of the group oralone
• Carry out collaborative projects with colleagues in partner institutions, and research groups
• In support of the development of your research, and as a secondary commitment, undertake some teachingwithin SoGE including engaging in assessment and university examining
• Contribute to and enhance the academic life and community of the SoGE including taking on citizenship roles.

Selection criteria

Essential selection criteria

• Hold (Grade 7) or be close to completion of (Grade 6), a PhD/DPhil in ecology, environmental science,geography, conservation science, data science, or a related discipline.
• Experience working with ecological, biodiversity, or environmental datasets.
• Experience using computational or AI-assisted analytical tools.
• Possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to work within established research programmes
• Ability to manage own academic research and associated activities
• Previous experience of contributing to publications/presentations
• Ability to contribute ideas for new research projects and research income generation
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to write for publication, present research proposalsand results, and represent the research group at meetings
• Is committed to advancing diversity and inclusion

Desirable selection criteria

• Experience of independently managing a discrete area of a research project
• Experience of actively collaborating in the development of research articles for publication.
• Experience collaborating with external research partners or interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience contributing to research grant development or project management.
• Experience with analysis and interpretation if ecological and environmental datasets using appropriatequantitative methods

Application and more details: https://naturerecovery.ox.ac.uk/news/vacancy-postdoctoral-research-associate-in-ecology-and-environmental-data-science/