Post-Doctoral Research Assistant in Agricultural Peat Biogeochemical Monitoring

In England, there are approximately 325,000 ha of lowland peatlands, with 74% of that used for farming and food production. Much of this has been drained to maximise yields of high value crops. However, oxidation of peat from reduced water table heights results in significant GHG emissions. As such, while 40% of all UK vegetable production (and therefore UK’s food security) is linked to exploitation of peatlands – Many found in Merseyside and Lancashire, agricultural lowland peat has the highest GHG emissions of any form of UK land-use. As such, despite covering <0.02% of England’s land area, they contribute >3% of total UK emissions. Considerable effort is now focused on the development of novel, more sustainable (high water-table) farming techniques to reduce emissions while maintaining farmer income via cropping and carbon/natural capital payment schemes.

The role holder will undertake research supporting the delivery of the UK CEH Lowland Peatlands 3 project (with a focus on WP3; https://lowlandpeat.ceh.ac.uk/lowlandpeat3). The role holder will undertake and aid in the coordination of field-based studies on GHG emissions, soil physiochemistry and fluvial emissions from rewetted agricultural peatlands in the northwest of the UK alongside researchers focused on parallel eddy covariance measurements, agricultural scientists, hydrologists and soil chemists. Lab work, data analysis and the drafting of papers for publication will also be undertaken.

The project will seek to determine the benefits of degraded agricultural peatland rewetting and the potential for continued cropping under wetter farming conditions, with the aim of quantifying potential emissions reduction and improvement in soil health. This site represents one of multiple around the UK and the post-holder will be expected to undertake wider engagement with the larger project and close collaborations with local stakeholders, especially farmers. The post will also rely strongly on project collaboration with local NGO and government stakeholders as well as the multiple university-based research partners.

The project will also benefit from being part of a wider research effort towards sustainable peatland landscapes (Both in the UK and Internationally) developing in Dr Stephanie Evers. As such, you will be part of a growing community of PhDs, PDRAs, RAs and volunteers working in this area.

Please note this is a 0.8FTE Vacancy and Fixed Term until February 2027.

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction, and development support as well as family-friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do.

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

LJMU values diversity and provides a supportive and inclusive environment where everyone can fulfil their potential.

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.

LJMU are committed to adhering to the Principles set out in the Researcher Development Concordat; in line with this all fixed-term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (pro-rata).

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