Post-Doctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) in EEO Carbon Allocation Modelling

Full time, Fixed Term (up to 20 months)

Closing date: 23:59 30 September 2025

Interview date: 10 October 2026 (with the expectation that the appointment will start as soon as possible thereafter).

The PDRA EEO Carbon Allocation Modelling will work on the LEMONTREE (Land Ecosystem Models based On New Theory, observations and Experiments) project and will be part of a team of scientists developing an integrated model of plant carbon allocation, based on eco-evolutionary optimality theory. The PDRA will be explicitly responsible for designing an approach to evaluate and model carbon allocation to non-structural carbohydrates and reproduction. They will also be responsible for evaluating and optimising the performance of the new components using field and laboratory experiments. The PDRA will be based at the University of Reading. They will collaborate with project scientists involved in the LEMONTREE Carbon Allocation Group at the University of Reading, Imperial College, London and Tsinghua University. The postholder will also be expected to interact with other members of the LEMONTREE team.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A PhD in environmental science or closely related discipline by the start date of the appointment
• Broad understanding of eco-evolutionary optimality concepts and modelling
• Practical experience in using site and global data sets for model evaluation
• Good programming skills
• Familiarity with relevant data sources for model evaluation
• Previous research experience and publication record
• The ability to use own initiative and plan, manage and prioritise workload effectively to meet varied and strict project delivery deadlines.

Contact details for advert

Contact Name: Sandy Harrison
Contact Job Title: Professor
Contact Email address: s.p.harrison@reading.ac.uk 

Alternative Contact Name: Sophia Cain
Alternative Contact Job Title: Lemontree Project Coordinator
Alternative Contact Email address: s.l.cain@reading.ac.uk 

By reference to the applicable SOC code for this role, sponsorship may be possible under the Skilled Worker Route. Applicants wishing to consider the SWR must ensure that they are able to meet the points requirement before applying. There is further information about this on the UK Visas and Immigration Website.

Please complete your application via the ‘Apply’ button above.

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. We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2). 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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