Overview

We are seeking a natural scientist with expertise in ecology and biodiversity to examine the biodiversity dimensions of nature-based solutions (NbS) and nature recovery (NR). Working as part of a large interdisciplinary team that spans different departments and research programmes, the goal is to determine how to scale up NbS and NR in the UK in a way that helps to address climate change, while also supporting biodiversity and local communities.

Key activities will include 1) collating and analysing landscape and national level biodiversity data; 2) linking different biodiversity measures and metrics to those on habitat type and extent; 3) designing and overseeing field surveys in our main study landscapes, including establishing baselines and systems to monitor impacts over time; and 4) working with team members doing geospatial analyses, drone and satellite remote sensing and scenario-modelling to ensure their work is grounded in robust assessments of biodiversity.

The post will conduct research as part of two interconnected programmes. The first of these is the Agile Initiative, which aims to provide rapid evidence-based solutions to the needs of environmental policy-makers. As part of Agile, this post will conduct a piece of intensive research (called a “sprint”) from September 2022 to August 2023. This will involve working within an interdisciplinary team of researchers based at the Nature-based Solutions Initiative (where the post-holder will be a Senior Researcher working closely with Alison Smith and John Lynch) and with key UK stakeholders and land-managers to develop a set of guidelines around how to scale-up nature-based solutions in the UK. This will then be followed by two further years building on this foundation as part of the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery. The particular focus of this work will be on the biodiversity outcomes of restoration efforts in the two case study landscapes of Oxfordshire and the central Scottish Highlands (and potentially other case studies as they develop), while also drawing on wider evidence across the UK.

As the PDRA, your main activities will involve managing academic research activities, including coordinating multiple aspects of work to meet deadlines and desired goals. This will involve designing, overseeing and conducting field work in the UK, working with a wide range of researchers from different disciplines, stakeholders and project partners. You will also be responsible for analysing data and preparing manuscripts for submission to peer reviewed journals. You may also have opportunities to co-supervise Masters and PhD projects.

You will report to Nathalie Seddon (in year 1 as part of the Agile Initiative based in the Nature-based Solutions initiative and then to Andrew Hector and Yadvinder Malhi as part of the Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery.

You will be required to upload a CV and supporting statement as part of your online application.

Where Covid-19 has resulted in substantial disruption to your work or research outputs, please explain this by providing an additional paragraph in your supporting statement.

The University of Oxford is committed to equality and valuing diversity.

This post is full time available from 1 September 2022 and is for a fixed term of 3 years.

The closing date for applications is 12.00 noon on Tuesday 31st May 2021, interviews are likely to be help w/c 13th June.