Postdoctoral Research Associate

The post

This part-time post (0.5 FTE) is available immediately on a fixed term basis until March 2027 within the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy. This role will be based in the Centre for Resilience in Environment, Water and Waste (CREWW).

The post-holder will be responsible for assessing the ecosystem services provided by leat systems (artificial channels transporting water) linked with drinking water supply and their natural and social (cultural and heritage) capital values, as the part of a research project funded by South West Water. This project will objectively identify stocks, flows and values associated with the leat and catchment area and assess future management options, both in the short term and for consideration in future planning.

About you

The successful candidate will have a background in environmental management (specifically with a focus on natural and social capital) and will be able to apply their understanding to the application of ecosystem services and accounting methods/tools (e.g., The Environment Agency's Natural Capital Register and Account Tool (NCRAT)).

Applicants will possess a relevant postgraduate degree or equivalent experience in environmental science, geography, ecology or related subject. A PhD (or nearing completion) or equivalent qualification/experience in environmental science, environmental management or economics will be desirable.

The successful candidate will have skills and understanding in collating and reviewing large environmental datasets (e.g., ecology, hydrology, and water quality in catchments), as well as knowledge and understanding of quantifying and evaluating ecosystem services and associated natural capital. They will also possess knowledge and understanding of assessing historic, cultural, and heritage capital, together with skills and understanding in commissioning, conducting, and/or evaluating surveys. In addition, they will have sufficient knowledge and understanding of the discipline, including research methods and techniques, to work effectively within established research programmes.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon/ Cornwall

The University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunity employer. We are officially recognised as a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce. 

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