Post Doctoral Research Fellow in Ecological - Stirling, United Kingdom - University of Stirling

University of Stirling

Verified Company

Stirling, United Kingdom

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Tom O´Connor

beBee Recruiter

Description

Post Details
Full time.
Fixed term for 12 months.

Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 05 June 2023.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

For the purposes of sponsorship, this is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.

The Post
Applications are invited for a postdoctoral research fellow to work on an inter-disciplinary project which will address the question "_How can we conserve biodiversity and the ecosystem services it provides in the face of growing demand for food and limited funds for conservation?_"

In this project, we are combining ecological science with economics to evaluate the costs and benefits of different landscape-scale conservation approaches in farmed landscapes.

We will quantify the biodiversity consequences and economic costs of realistic conservation policies whilst accounting for impacts of management between adjacent land-uses (spatial spill-overs), legacies from historic land-use (temporal spill-overs), and incentivised cooperation between neighbouring land managers (behavioural spill-overs).

Specifically for this post, the successful applicant will:

Examine the consequences of a range of woodland creation scenarios for species differing in habitat specificity requirements
Examine how these consequences change over time, using data from economic modelling to inform on how landowners are likely to respond to policy incentives, and taking into account temporal changes as woodlands mature

Description of Duties

Running simulations in the programme RANGESHIFTER that incorporate different woodland creation scenarios, for a range of landscape and species parameters
Conducting statistical analyses to quantify how consequences arising from woodland creation change over time, using data from economic modelling to inform on how landowners are likely to respond to policy incentives, and taking into account changing effects as woodlands mature
Taking the lead in writing scientific papers
Organising regular meetings and communication with the research team
Presenting findings at academic conferences and public engagement events

Essential Criteria

Completed (or close to completion) PhD in ecology or other relevant discipline
Expertise in the use of the software RANGESHIFTER
Excellent quantitative research and data analysis skills, including proficiency in the statistical programme R
Experience of working with large datasets
Track record in publishing peer reviewed papers
Evidence of good administrative and project management skills
Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills, able to work effectively as part of a multidisciplinary team
Evidence of selfmotivation and the ability to work independently
Time management skills including ability to prioritise workload

Desirable Criteria

Knowledge of biological diversity in agricultural systems and landscapescale conservation approaches
Experience with/knowledge of GIS software for data manipulation and extraction

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

-
Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

-
Delivering excellent service
Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
-
Finding solutions
Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
-
Embracing change
Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
-
Using resources effectively
Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
-
Engaging with the wider context
Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
-
Developing self and others
Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development.

Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

-
Working together
Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
-
Achieving Results
Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

About Us
The Faculty of Natural Sciences (FNS) encompasses the Divisions of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Computing Science and