Postdoctoral Research Associate - Ruminant Nutrition

This role offers the chance to work on a research project focused on developing resilient, sustainable grassland management strategies to meet the UK's net zero targets. The project involves academic, research, and industry partners, aiming to transform UK grasslands for net zero emissions, improved soil health, biodiversity, and economic benefits, supporting the agricultural transition to sustainability.

The work at the University of Reading will assess the nutritive value of alternative forages for ruminants (e.g., multispecies, legume-rich, tannin-containing) and their effects on productivity, efficiency, and methane emissions in dairy cows and beef cattle. The PDR will design and execute experiments, manage animal trials, and collect and analyse samples. Responsibilities include data collation, statistical analysis, conducting literature reviews, and preparing reports and presentations. The PDR will develop and manage research timelines, collaborate with researchers and stakeholders, and organise project meetings. Administrative duties include maintaining records, managing budgets, and ensuring compliance with regulations. The role also involves disseminating research findings, participating in knowledge exchange activities, and engaging with the academic community and the public.

Professional development, continuous learning, networking, and contributing to new research projects and grant proposals are key aspects of the role, along with teaching and supervising students in animal science topics. The PDR will join the School of Agriculture, Policy and Development, which has a global outlook and an international reputation for education and research. The School offers a welcoming, supportive, and progressive environment for career development and includes a learning and research community from over 40 nations.

You should have:

• PhD in a relevant discipline or be near completion.
• Strong interest in animal nutrition, livestock production, and mitigating its environmental footprint.
• Ability to work with animals in research environments, collect relevant data, and perform laboratory analysis of feeds or biofluids.
• Proficiency in analysing experimental data using mixed-effects, repeated-measures, and multivariate models.
• Experience in writing and publishing papers in peer-reviewed journals and communicating research to a wide audience.
• Knowledge of ruminant production, nutrition, and physiology related to feed efficiency and methane production.
• Experience in large animal trials, laboratory analyses, and statistical data analysis.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision, taking initiative, and maintaining a collaborative and respectful workplace attitude.
• Willingness to travel nationally and internationally.

Closing date: 18/09/2024
Interviews will be held: 02/10/2024

Contact Name: Professor Sokratis Stergiadis
Contact Job Title: Professor of Animal Science
Contact Email address: s.stergiadis@reading.ac.uk

Alternative Contact Name: Dr Laurence Smith
Alternative Contact Job Title: Lecturer in Agriculture Business Management
Alternative Contact Email address: l.g.smith@reading.ac.uk

Applications from job seekers who require sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route.  Applicants should ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement under the PBS.  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 is a Diversity Champion for Stonewall, the leading LGBT+ rights organisation. Applications for job-share, part-time and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with business needs.

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