At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to develop ecological models and predict land-use impacts on biodiversity.
- Company: Durham University, a leader in biological sciences research.
- Benefits: Full-time position with opportunities for high-impact publications and international collaboration.
- Other info: Collaborate on innovative projects with strong international links.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in ecological forecasting and global change biology.
- Qualifications: Postdoctoral experience in ecological modelling and data analysis required.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ecological Modelling and Land-Use Change, with a particular emphasis on linking high-resolution land-use data with population and community ecological dynamics.
The successful applicant will work on a project focused on developing high-resolution, policy-relevant projections of land-use change and their implications for biodiversity dynamics across spatial scales. The research will build on recent advances in global land-use harmonisation and downscaling (e.g. HILDA+, One Earth products), with the aim of integrating these datasets into ecological forecasting frameworks that explicitly represent population, metapopulation, and community processes.
A central aim of the project is to improve our ability to predict how species and ecological communities respond to interacting drivers of global change, including land-use change and climate change. This will involve combining large-scale environmental datasets with process-based or hybrid ecological models, and exploring emerging approaches to scaling such models, including the use of emulation and AI-assisted workflows.
The postholder will also contribute to international collaborative activities, including the Biodiversity Model Intercomparison Project (BMIP), supporting the implementation and execution of ecological models within intercomparison exercises and contributing to the synthesis of results across modelling approaches.
The postholder will work closely with Professor Justin Travis and collaborators to:
- Develop and apply methods for harmonising and downscaling land-use datasets.
- Integrate land-use projections with ecological models that capture population and spatial dynamics.
- Support model implementation and analysis within biodiversity intercomparison frameworks (e.g. BMIP).
- Contribute to the development of scalable ecological forecasting approaches.
- Contribute to high-impact publications and policy-relevant outputs.
The role provides an excellent opportunity to contribute to cutting‑edge research at the interface of ecological modelling, global change biology, and environmental data science, with strong links to international initiatives (e.g. GEO BON and biodiversity model intercomparison efforts).
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ecological Modelling and Land-Use Change in Bath employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ecological Modelling and Land-Use Change in Bath
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the ecological modelling field, attend relevant conferences, and engage with researchers on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of land-use change and ecological dynamics. We recommend practising common interview questions and even doing mock interviews with friends or colleagues to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous research, publications, and any relevant projects. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table, especially in high-impact research areas.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ecological Modelling and Land-Use Change in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Postdoctoral Research Associate. Highlight your experience in ecological modelling and land-use change, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects or publications that showcase your skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about this research area and how your background aligns with the project’s goals. Be specific about what excites you about working with Professor Justin Travis and the team.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! If you have experience with high-resolution data or ecological forecasting, provide examples of how you’ve applied these in past projects. This will help us see your potential impact on our research.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands and allows us to keep track of all submissions efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest advancements in ecological modelling and land-use change. Familiarise yourself with projects like HILDA+ and One Earth products, as well as how they relate to biodiversity dynamics. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the field.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive deep into your experience with ecological models and data integration. Brush up on your knowledge of process-based models and AI-assisted workflows. Be ready to discuss specific methodologies you've used in past research and how they can apply to this role.
✨Show Collaborative Spirit
This position involves working closely with others, so be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative research settings. Highlight any previous work with international teams or contributions to projects like the Biodiversity Model Intercomparison Project (BMIP).
✨Think Policy-Relevant
Since the role focuses on policy-relevant projections, think about how your research can impact real-world applications. Be ready to discuss how you would communicate your findings to non-specialist audiences and contribute to high-impact publications.