PDRA in Vegetation-Fire Interactions

The University of reading is seeking to recruit a PDRA in Vegetation-Fire Interactions to work on the LEMONTREE (Land Ecosystem Models based On New Theory, observations and Experiments) project (worth $10.9 million in funding to the University of Reading and running from January 2021 – September 2026). The PDRA will be responsible for developing and applying a new fire model that incorporates the two-way interactions between fire and vegetation in order to predict the implications of these behaviours on the carbon cycle. They will collaborate with other members of the LEMONTREE project to They will collaborate with other members of the LEMONTREE project to incorporate vegetation-fire interactions within an eco-evolutionary modelling framework.

The postholder will be based in Reading but will work closely with the Science Strategy lead at Imperial College London, and will be expected to interact with other members of the LEMONTREE team (i.e. Reading University, Imperial College London, Columbia University, the University of Pittsburgh, UC Berkeley, Utrecht University, Seoul National University, Texas Tech University, Tsinghua University and the University of Bern). The post is for a fixed-term period of 24 months but may be extended subject to funding.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A PhD in a relevant subject by the start date of the appointment
• Experience with empirical and/or process-based fire modelling
• An understanding of fire ecology and the impact of fires on vegetation
• Good programming skills (e.g. R, Python)
• Previous research experience and publication record
• Ability to use own initiative and plan, manage and prioritise workload effectively to meet varied and strict project delivery deadlines

Closing date: 16 October 2023

Interview date: TBC

Informal contact details                                              

Contact role: Supervisor                                               
Contact name: Sandy P. Harrison                                
Contact phone: +44 (0)118 378 5258                          
Contact email: s.p.harrison@reading.ac.uk                 

Alternative informal contact details

Contact role: Project Science lead
Contact name: Colin Prentice
Contact phone: not applicable
Contact email: c.prentice@imperial.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 champions LGBT+ equality. 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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