Postdoctoral Research Associate (Pollinator conservation)

This is an exciting opportunity to support European governments, NGOs and businesses in moving towards the effective restoration of pollinators. We are seeking a science-policy researcher to join the world class pollinator team at the University of Reading as part of the WildPosh (Pan-European assessment, monitoring, and mitigation of chemical stressors on the health of wild pollinators) project.

The successful candidate will contribute to the project by: (i) synthesising existing research and expert opinion into the effectiveness of mitigation measures to reduce the risks from pesticides to pollinators; (ii) develop best practice guidance for business, policy and NGOs; and, (iii) manage dialogue with policy makers at a national and EU level in order to promote engagement and uptake of these best practices.

The EU Nature Restoration Law requires that all Member States meet legally binding targets to reverse the decline of pollinators by 2030. Identifying effectives measures to reduce the threats of pesticides to pollinators is recognised as high priority by the European Commission, national governments as well as agri-food businesses and NGOs. This role will help provide critical evidence and highly in-demand guidance for developing policies and practices to meet these ambitious goals.

The post is a 36-month fixed term contract based at in the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, at the University of Reading, with opportunities to attend meetings and run workshops work with leading European researchers, policy makers and practitioners.

You will have:

• A PhD in agriculture, ecological, or environmental science, or policy.
• Knowledge of pollinator conservation and pesticides risks.
• Excellent written, verbal and visual communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of audiences using different formats.
• Strong analytical skills to synthesise complex evidence.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement.

Closing date: 1 September 2024

For more information, please contact:
Contact name: Professor Simon Potts
Contact role: Research professor, Sustainable Land Management
Contact email address: s.g.potts@reading.ac.uk

Alternative contact name: Dr Deepa Senapathi
Alternative contact role: Head of Department, Sustainable Land Management
Alternative contact email: g.d.senapathi@reading.ac.uk

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

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. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

We know that our team are essential to our success and as such we value our staff highly. There are several benefits to working with us:
Generous annual leave allowance: The University and Waitrose believe that it is important for all employees to balance their work and personal lives. Waitrose offer a generous entitlement of 25 days in addition to 8 bank holidays.

A diverse workforce: We have a proud history of diversity and inclusion and are working actively on several key initiatives to continue this: https://www.reading.ac.uk/diversity/.

More information on the benefits of working at the University of Reading can be found here: https://www.reading.ac.uk/human-resources/working-life.

Advert information