Post Doctoral Research Associate (Peatlands)

An exciting opportunity has become available to work on a Horizon Europe funded research project. PALUS DEMOS is a €10 million project that will create large-scale demonstration sites for paludiculture across three European countries (IRL, NL, UK) to explore new agricultural business models, develop markets for paludiculture products, increase employment, and enhance biodiversity and water quality, aligning with the European Green Deal. Paludiculture is a form of wet agriculture that integrates the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from drained peatlands through water-table management with continued land use and biomass production in wetlands. Palus Demos aims to show how paludiculture can preserve peat soils, provide economic opportunities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The post holder will be responsible for the ongoing management of 2 field-based experiments, establishing monitoring of key nutrient and hydrology regimes and the monitoring and validation of the greenhouse gas balance benefits of the change in land-use. The role will produce data to underpin carbon offsetting schemes and subsidies that reward rewetting of peat. 

Qualifications we require:

• PhD in peatlands, wetlands or related subject.
• Masters degree in Biological, Environmental or a closely related subject.

Application requirements:

• Significant Experience of using equipment (e.g. Los Gatos, AERIS) to monitoring GHG fluxes using chambers and collection and analysis of soil and soil solution chemistry using IC and ICP-OES.
• Evidence publishing scientific research.
• Extensive comprehension of peatlands and the processes that mediate GHG emissions

It would also be helpful for the candidate to have experience of working within an interdisciplinary team, consisting of academic partners, farmers, wildlife conservation organisations and public sector organisations.

Personal attributes: 

• Ability to collect, organise and synthesise complex data from different sources.
• Communication of findings succinctly via oral presentations and written reports and scientific articles.

For an informal discussion, please contact Dr Chris Field (c.field@mmu.ac.uk).

Apply by submitting a CV and covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria for the role.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

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