Fellowship Opportunity: Natural-based solutions for recovery of ecosystems from perturbation

The Nature-Based Solutions research cluster at Manchester Met are a multi-disciplinary group of environmental, biological, chemical and geographical scientists undertaking research into the drivers and impacts of ecosystem degradation, and how maintaining, transitioning or restoring habitats can provide solutions to achieving sustainability and promote resilience. Since 2020, the Department of Natural Sciences has attracted over £3 million in research funding from bodies including UKRI, EU and Innovate UK to support research activities. This research has been translated into an excellent track-record of real-world impact, for example our 4* REF 2021 impact case study on the conservation and restoration of damaged peatlands.

Our researchers have expertise working across a wide range of habitats, including tropical forests and drylands, wetlands and marine and coastal habitats. Our current projects range from understanding the biodiversity potential of secondary tropical forests, through community co-design of mangrove restoration, to identifying how restored saltmarsh can deliver multiple natural capital benefits.

About the role: 

• To undertake world-leading and internationally excellent research using latest and innovative methodologies, as relevant in your area of research. 

• To prepare, present and publish research outputs through the appropriate forums. 

• To develop ideas for generating income to ensure the continued success and growth of research portfolio.  

• To disseminate findings of research widely to further the institution’s standing in the HE and research community and strengthen the impact of the research.

About the candidate: 

The Fellow will join the critical mass of researchers with an excellent track-record of applied ecological research, working with national and international partners to create viable real-world solutions for the ecosystems that humans rely on.

We welcome applications from prospective Fellows working in applied or theoretical aspects of ecological restoration and nature-based solutions. Our research would be particularly complemented by a research fellow grounded in interrogating fundamental ecological principles and applying them to the applied restoration research undertaken by existing staff.

Requirements: 

• Doctoral level qualification in a related research area. 
• Possess breadth or depth of specialist knowledge and demonstrate potential for research independence.
• Excellent track record of relevant research outputs. 
• Significant research experience in the chosen field of research, which should include where appropriate: 
  • leading the work of a team, co-ordinating effort and resources to meet objectives 
  • developing partnerships with internal and external agencies 
  • preparing funding proposals and applications to external bodies 
  • using initiative, creativity and judgement to develop appropriate approaches to research 
  • synthesising complex data from different sources and communicating findings via written reports and articles 
  • presenting at national and/or international research meetings 
  • supervising student work and providing appropriate support and feedback. 
• Experience of managing and monitoring performance of research projects in multi-disciplinary teams.
• Ability to manage projects involving academic institutions and funding bodies. 

Please refer to the Job Description & Person Specification for a full list of essential & desirable criteria. 

Academic Contact: Prof. Paul Hooper (p.hooper@mmu.ac.uk) to discuss the fellowship opportunity in detail. 

Closing Date: 29 May 2024 

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us on researchfellowships@mmu.ac.uk  

To return to the main fellowship page, click here  

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