Research Fellow

About us

Biosciences is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences and one of the largest Divisions within UCL, undertaking a significant amount of research and teaching. The Division has a diverse portfolio addressing all areas of biology from protein interactions to cell function, organism development, genetics, population studies and the environment. Computational modelling approaches are frequently used alongside experimental research programmes and much of our research crosses traditional boundaries, including the relationship of biodiversity to the health of the planet. Activity is underpinned by high calibre science technology platforms and state of the art equipment. Educational activity includes a range of undergraduate programmes, an expanding number of Masters Programmes and a substantial number of postgraduate research students.

This is an exciting opportunity to join Prof. Richard Pearson in the Centre for Biodiversity and Environment Research to work on the Wellcome Trust-funded project Sustainable and Healthy Food Systems – Southern Africa (SHEFS-SA).

About the role

The main purpose of this position is to undertake ecological research exploring the impacts of climate change on health, as mediated by ecosystems. Research will use ecological models, conservation planning tools, and Geographic Information Systems to deepen our understanding of the impacts of environmental change on biodiversity and nature’s benefits to people. Focal areas will include assessing the resilience of ecosystem services (e.g., pollination), mapping critical natural assets, and conservation prioritization.

Main duties will be to undertake research and produce high-quality publications that have potential impact on conservation policy and practice. The role holder will work collaboratively with partners across the project, including at UCL (Dr. Carole Dalin in the Institute for Sustainable Resources), in South Africa (the University of KwaZulu-Natal), Malawi and Zimbabwe, and will contribute to activities such as co-supervision of students.

Funding is available to support the post until 19/11/2027 in the first instance.

Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £34,502 - £36,348 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis. We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible. The role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 40% on site.

A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.

About you

You will have proven knowledge of research techniques and methodologies, including strong computational skills (e.g., coding in R or other programming language), knowledge of GIS, and experience with ecological modelling (for instance, but not necessarily, Species Distribution Modelling, ecological network analyses). You will also have good knowledge of relevant research areas, including biodiversity conservation, ecosystem services, and/or conservation planning. You must have a PhD (or be studying towards it) in relevant subject area, and evidence of good publications. In addition to developing, conducting and writing-up the research, you will communicate results at conferences and will engage in activities to generate impact on conservation policy and practice.

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