Research Fellow in Socio-ecological Coral Reef Adaptation

Location: Leeds - Main Campus

Contract type: Fixed Term (until 31^st Dec 2026 (to complete specific time limited work))

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in coral reef climate science and quantitative ecology? Do you have skills in project and programme delivery? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?

We are running ClimateREEFS, a project that aims to identify adaptive reefs from space and to reduce climate vulnerability of people relying on those reefs. We are recruiting a person with expertise and interest in both quantitative coral reef ecology and socio-economics of reef fisheries. They will be employed under a collaborative project linking institutions from Indonesia, the Philippines, UK, and USA. The research role will integrate remote sensing outputs, ecological adaptive processes, and gender and socially inclusive adaptive criteria to understand socio-ecological adaptation pathways and inform policy, ranging from the village to national level. In the role, you will also work with early career researchers in capacity strengthening, coaching them through the data analysis and writing process. We will combine data from research approaches ranging from coral reef genomics, eDNA, and visual census, to socio-economic and gender/ social inclusion relevant questionaires.

We are looking for applicants with a relevant PhD, strong expertise in statistical modelling of social and / or ecological data with frequentist and bayesian approaches, ideally with direct experience in coral reef ecology or fisheries, and an understanding of both ecology and socio-economic issues in reef fisheries. Applicants should also have experience in knowledge transfer of scientific skills, with experience or interest knowledge transfer to Global South Early Career Researchers. Some field expertise (SCUBA diving, and or household surveys) would be beneficial.

What we offer in return

• 26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
• Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary.
• Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
• Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
• Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!

To explore the post further please contact:

Maria Beger, Professor in Conservation Science
Email: m.beger@leeds.ac.uk

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