Post-doctoral Research Associate
Whiteknights 03/12/2026
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
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Job details
Salary £37,369 per annum
Contractual hours 35
Basis Full time
Region South
Job category/type Academic and Research, Research
Date posted 06/11/2026
Job reference SRF54670
Attachments Job description & person specification_PDRA_SRF54670.pdf
Job description
This role is Full-time, fixed term for 12 Months (with possibility for 6-month extension).
Closing date: 23:59 on 3rd December 2026
Inetrview date: 17 th December 2027 (may be subject to change)
Due to the complexity of the Skilled Worker Visa route and eligibility criteria, applicants requiring sponsorship are recommended to check their eligibility on the Home Office website. We cannot provide advice to candidates at the application stage and will only discuss visa routes with candidates who are invited to interview.
There may be costs associated with a visa application, including the Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS), which are not paid for by the University of Reading and cannot be claimed back. For further information on potential costs please visit: Healthcare Surcharge Information GOV.UK
The Department of Geography and Environmental Science, in the School of Archaeology Geography and Environmental Science, is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join PMTTA (Participatory Monitoring of Traditional Territories in the Amazon). Part of the UKRI-CNPq funded Amazon+10 Programme, PMTTA brings together the University of Reading, Federal University of Para, and 8 other Brazilian research institutions to examine the relationship between social-biodiversity and bioeconomy in 9 traditional communities across the Amazon.
As a researcher on the project, working with the Principal Investigator, Dr Ben Coles, Co-Co-Principal Investigator Professor Nirvia Ravena (Federal University of Para) and other members of the project team, you will:
- Conduct community-based participatory remote sensing data collection and integrate this data with other remotely sensed data/geo-spatial data
- Conduct comparative remote sensing analysis of traditional community and non-community land-use/land-cover and lead on Remote Sensing Analysis
- Write reports for submission to research sponsors as requested
- Provide research support in relation to the preparation of figures, liaison with Brazilian counter parts and UKRI data centres, inputs to publications, as well as to lead on specific peer-revied publications and scientific dissemination activities
You will have:
- A PhD (or near completion) in Geography, Environmental Science or closely related discipline by the start date of the appointment
- Broad up-to-date knowledge of remote sensing applications in tropical forests
- Practical experience conducting land-use/land-cover remote sensing surveys
- Familiarity with relevant data sources for remotely sensed data in Brazilian Amazon
- Working knowledge social-science methodologies (i.e. ethnography, qualitative methods, etc).
- Record of publication appropriate to career stage
Contact details: Dr Ben Coles, Lecturer in Human Geography, ben.coles@reading.ac.uk
We welcome applications from both external and internal candidates. As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role can be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Internal candidates should discuss this with their line manager prior to applying.
The University is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter and the Race Equality Charter, and champions LGBT+ equality. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.
Post-doctoral Research Associate in Reading employer: University of Reading
The University of Reading is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation at its picturesque Whiteknights campus. With a strong commitment to employee development, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities and professional training, all while contributing to a meaningful mission of expanding global education. Join us to be part of a diverse community dedicated to making a positive impact on students' lives worldwide.
