Overview

We are looking for an experienced researcher to work on a new Global Challenges Research Fund Foundation Award project ‘Restoring soil function and resilience in degraded grasslands of the Tibetan-Qinghai plateau’.

You will deploy recent advances in soils research in temperate agricultural grasslands to help meet the challenge of building soil functioning and resilience in degraded grassland soils of the Tibetan-Qinghai plateau. Specific activities will include surveys, sampling and experiments to determine the impact of grassland degradation on multiple soil functions and their resilience to extreme climate events. You also will contribute to testing the effectiveness of manipulating plant diversity and functional traits to build soil functioning (physical and biogeochemical) and resilience and maximize plant production in degraded grassland soils. Plus the role will involve working with partners and stakeholders to develop a ‘Grassland management strategy’ through review and workshops including an international ‘Global Grassland Summit’. Work will also contribute to capacity building for future proposals.

You will be based at Lancaster University and will join a multi-disciplinary research team developing tools for restoring soil functioning and resilience to degraded grasslands in the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. This consortium includes co-investigators from the lead University of Manchester and partners at the North West Institute of Plateau Biology and the Grassland Research Institute in China, plus experts from CABI. The SRA will work closely with a researcher newly appointed at the University of Manchester.

You will hold a PhD in Ecology, Soil Science or a related discipline and will have research expertise in plant-soil ecology, biogeochemistry-physics with experience of project management, working overseas and extended fieldwork campaigns. You will be self-motivated, collaborative, hold strong communication and interpersonal skills, and be prepared for new challenges. Ability to work independently is also essential.

This is a fixed-term appointment for 24 month post to commence as soon as possible.

Informal inquiries may be directed to Professor Nick Ostle, n.ostle@lancaster.ac.uk  or Professor John Quinton j.quinton@lancaster.ac.uk

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups.

Lancaster Environment Centre
Salary:   £32,958 to £38,183
Closing Date:   Monday 22 May 2017
Interview Date:   To be confirmed
Reference:  A1816