Back to search results

Research Associate in Palaeoecology (Fixed Term)

University of Cambridge - Department of Geography

Location: Cambridge
Salary: £36,024 to £44,263 per annum
Hours: Full Time
Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract
Placed On: 2nd September 2024
Closes: 13th October 2024
Job Ref: LC43013

Department/Location: Department of Geography, Cambridge

Applications are invited for a Post-doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) in Palaeoecology as part of the project Integrating past and present ecologies, and traditional knowledge for effective biodiversity management into the future (IPPET) funded by UKRI. The post is based at the Department of Geography, University of Cambridge, under the guidance of Dr Matthew Adeleye. 

Wetlands house the largest portion of carbon in the pedosphere and provide habitats for many unique species. However, they face significant threats from climate change and human impact. Effective management requires an understanding of how present ecologies and cultural values relate to the past, as well the different roles of climate and people have played in shaping wetlands over centuries¿millennia. By working closely with land managers and incorporating local/traditional knowledge alongside palaeoecological and ecological methods, project IPPET will document detailed centennial-millennial ecological (vegetation, fire, carbon accumulation, hydrology) and cultural histories (Indigenous/traditional use) of wetlands and wetland-related ecosystems (e.g., swamp forests) in different world regions and reveal how humans may have shaped their response to climate in the past. Results will be contextualized to on-ground management needs. 

The PDRA will employ proxy-based palaeoecological approach, ecological methods and local historical records/accounts to generate robust palaeoecological records for wetland sites in the UK and Alderney. The successful candidate will be interested in weaving traditional knowledge with western science and have experience in the following areas including (1) identification, interpretation and quantitative analysis of Northern Hemisphere pollen and macrofossils and other microfossils, such as charcoal, testate amoebae, diatoms, fungal spores etc. (2) Field coring, chronology building and documenting carbon accumulation for sediment/peat cores. Other related sites/or duties may be added during the project and the PDRA will be expected to actively participate in data processing and interpretation. 

Candidates must have a PhD (or equivalent) in Earth Science or related discipline. A background in palaeoecology/palaeoenvironment is essential. Proficiency using computing platforms and quantitative skills are desirable. They must be highly motivated and should have excellent time management, organisational and communication skills, and be able to work well as part of a team. 

The successful candidate will be based in Cambridge and become a member of the Conservation Palaeoecology Lab. There will be opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities within the Department of Geography, including the departmental 'Climate and Environmental Dynamics' research group, reading groups and seminars across the University. They will also have the opportunity to train and mentor undergraduates in scientific research projects. 

Informal inquiries should be directed to Dr Matthew Adeleye at ma2073@cam.ac.uk

Fixed-term: The post is available starting from 6 January 2025 or as soon as possible thereafter, for a 24-month appointment. It is possible to extend the post by applying for a Postdoctoral Fellowships through the University of Cambridge. 

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a health assessment.

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the apply button above.

Please quote reference LC43013 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. 

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. 

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. 

We value your feedback on the quality of our adverts. If you have a comment to make about the overall quality of this advert, or its categorisation then please send us your feedback
Advert information

Type / Role:

Subject Area(s):

Location(s):

Job tools
 

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Ok Ok

PhD Alert Created

Job Alert Created

Your PhD alert has been successfully created for this search.

Your job alert has been successfully created for this search.

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Account Verification Missing

In order to create multiple job alerts, you must first verify your email address to complete your account creation

Request verification email Request verification email

jobs.ac.uk Account Required

In order to create multiple alerts, you must create a jobs.ac.uk jobseeker account

Create Account Create Account

Alert Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your account is currently blocked. Please login to unblock your account.

Email Address Blocked

We received a delivery failure message when attempting to send you an email and therefore your email address has been blocked. You will not receive job alerts until your email address is unblocked. To do so, please choose from one of the two options below.

Max Alerts Reached

A maximum of 5 Job Alerts can be created against your account. Please remove an existing alert in order to create this new Job Alert

Manage your job alerts Manage your job alerts

Creation Failed

Unfortunately, your alert was not created at this time. Please try again.

Ok Ok

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

Create PhD Alert

Create Job Alert

When you create this PhD alert we will email you a selection of PhDs matching your criteria.When you create this job alert we will email you a selection of jobs matching your criteria. Our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy apply to this service. Any personal data you provide in setting up this alert is processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice

 
 
More jobs from University of Cambridge

Show all jobs for this employer …

More jobs like this
Join in and follow us

Browser Upgrade Recommended

jobs.ac.uk has been optimised for the latest browsers.

For the best user experience, we recommend viewing jobs.ac.uk on one of the following:

Google Chrome Firefox Microsoft Edge