Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHAMPTON Research Field Environmental science Geosciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 25 Nov 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Other Job Status Full-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No
Offer Description
We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Fellow to join the UKRI-funded PRECISE (Precision Ecology for a Changing World) project. You will help establish Precision Ecology , which seeks to predict the effects of conservation interventions in specific ecological contexts. Moving beyond average effects, the project will predict site-specific responses to environmental management and restoration, supporting effective conservation decisions.
Based in the School of Geography and Environmental Science at the University of Southampton, you will work with researchers at Southampton, the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) and the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research (NINA), and international collaborators in statistics, causal inference and ecological modelling.
You will play a leading role in developing and evaluating methods for causal inference and causal prediction in ecology. Using benchmark datasets produced through ecological simulations and large observational datasets assembled by project partners, you will investigate how sampling strategies and data characteristics affect the performance of alternative causal-inference and machine-learning workflows. You will identify which approaches perform best under different conditions and translate the findings into practical guidance.
You will create reproducible, open-source software, analytical workflows, tutorials and guidance. With project partners, you will develop best-practice frameworks for analysing observational datasets and designing ecological studies and monitoring programmes. The role focuses on methodological development, study design and causal prediction, rather than ecological simulation modelling.
You should hold a PhD, or have equivalent professional experience, in a relevant quantitative discipline. We welcome applicants with strong causal-inference and quantitative expertise who want to apply these approaches to ecological questions. Ecological experience is desirable but not essential, provided you are willing to develop relevant ecological and spatial knowledge.
You should have:
- Strong quantitative-modelling skills and experience analysing complex observational data.
- Programming and data-analysis experience using R, Python or related software, including reproducible, well-documented workflows.
- Understanding of causal inference and its application to observational data.
- Understanding of reproducible research and Open Science principles.
- Evidence of independent research and communication through publications, software, reports or equivalent outputs.
- Excellent organisational, communication and collaborative skills.
Experience in applying causal inference methods, machine learning, geospatial or ecological analysis, or high-performance computing would be advantageous.
The School of Geography and Environmental Science is committed to fostering a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion. We particularly encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates belonging to groups under-represented within University academic posts, including, but not limited to, people from Black and minority ethnic groups and disabled people. We are a signatory to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers and provide opportunities for career development and mentoring. The School offers family-friendly policies, flexi-time and flexible working. We are a Disability Confident employer and hold a Bronze Athena SWAN award.
The expected start date of this role is 1st February 2027.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Fellow in Causal Inference and Ecology in Southampton employer: EURAXESS Ireland
The University of Southampton is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the field of environmental science. As a Research Fellow, you will have access to cutting-edge resources and the opportunity to work alongside leading experts, enhancing your professional growth while contributing to impactful research on ocean biogeochemistry. Located in a dynamic academic environment, the university prioritises employee development and provides a supportive atmosphere for meaningful contributions to global scientific challenges.
