Senior Research Associate: Life cycle assessment Animal Science

The role

We are looking to appoint a researcher that will become a key member of the EPSRC collaboration project ‘Co-creating Equitable Circular Food Systems Through A Digital Hub’ which operates between the University of Bristol and University of Nottingham. You will be based at the Bristol Veterinary School under the tutelage of animal scientist Dr Daniel Enriquez-Hidalgo and Professor of Environmetrics Murray Lark (University of Nottingham). You will have the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team (computer, operations management, agricultural, environmental and social sciences) and work closely in the John Oldacre Centre for Dairy Welfare and Sustainability Research  (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/vet-school/research/john-oldacre-centre/).  

We are looking for someone to lead and conduct the modelling of material flows in the apple supply chain, including life cycle assessment (LCA), to facilitate the interpretation of multiple data streams and the evaluation of options to increase circularity in the system. The post-holder will share the modelling exercise learning to link in with related work being led by the computer science and operations management teams to develop the digital hub. You will provide direct support to the study on effects of apple pomace as a feedstuff for dairy heifers to improve apple chain circularity.

What will you be doing?

• Lead and conduct the modelling of material flows in the apple supply chain.  
• Oversee collection of production data and biological samples. 
• Organization of farm visits for sample collection and processing. 
• Lead on the organization and execution of on-farm studies testing dairy heifers’ diets. 
• Contribute or lead on academic journal papers and the dissemination of findings.
• Ensure highest standards of data governance and research reproducibility. 

You should apply if

• Experience of working independently and collaboratively in research projects. 
• Track record in livestock science research and/or research related to agriculture or food supply modelling and Life Cycle Assessment. 
• Professional approach to working with farmers and other stakeholders. 
• Track record of conducting research, writing it up for dissemination and presentation to different audiences. 

For a Grade  I position:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
• Ability to organise own time and work to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities. 
• Disposition to travel for data collection and attending conferences. 

For a Grade J position:

• a PhD in a closely related field with relevant post-doctoral or research project management experience.  
• Demonstrable ability to work well within diverse multi-disciplinary teams.
• Considerable post-doctoral or research project management experience.  

Additional information

Contract type: Open Ended (fixed funding until 31st March 2027)

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 10/11/2024.

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Advert information