Postdoctoral Research Associate - Holistic Measures of Biodiversity

Role Description

Research Centre & Department

The Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity is a research centre of academics from a wide range of disciplines collaborating to increase knowledge of how the relationship between humanity and the natural world is changing, and how we might maintain and develop a sustainable Earth and bring about positive change. The position is linked to the Department of Biology, and will be line managed by Jack Hatfield (Biology) with mentorship from Lindsey Gillson and Jane Hill (Biology), and Hanna Pettersson (Environment and Geography).

Role

Traditional measures of biodiversity focus on abundance and occurrences of species but new approaches are needed that focus on processes, functions, and services vital to people’s livelihoods and wellbeing. We are seeking a Postdoctoral Researcher (PDRA) with advanced skills in biodiversity monitoring and an interest in developing novel ecosystem approaches. You will develop a framework of metrics to catalyse the uptake of ecosystem approaches that evaluate the dynamic adaptive management of socio-ecological systems. Working with a linked PDRA in interweaving Indigenous and Local Knowledge with ecological monitoring, you will develop new, holistic biodiversity metrics.

The project aims to 1) Identify metrics that measure the ecological and socio-cultural processes shaping land and sea scapes and develop methods to integrate indigenous and local knowledge into data generation, goal and target setting for ecosystem change and resilience, and 2) Explore the ability of these metrics to monitor and evaluate the status and change (e.g. recovery) of healthy, socially desired, and resilient ecosystems. 

Key Responsibilities include:

• Undertaking world-leading research to increase the understanding of ecosystem metrics and monitoring.
• Disseminating results through publications, presentations, public engagement and outreach activities.
• Collaborating with colleagues to increase the effectiveness of interdisciplinary research. 

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed

• Undergraduate degree and PhD in an appropriate subject area.
• Knowledge of biodiversity measurement and monitoring, including relevant research methodologies 
• High competence in the analysis of species and ecosystem data 
• Interdisciplinary research experience, including in the use or integration of qualitative and mixed methods data from the social sciences.
• Ability to write up research for high profile publications 
• Excellent communication skills with experience of engagement across disciplines and with non-academic audiences.
• Ability to develop own and collaborative research, identify sources of funding and contribute to securing these with the assistance of a mentor if required. 
• Ability to carry out independent and collaborative research.

Applicants should provide a short outline (max. 1 page; font size 11) describing how they would approach the research goals of this project. The focus of the work will be developed collaboratively on appointment. 

Interview date: June 2026. The post must commence by 30th Sept 2026. 

For informal enquiries: please contact jack.hatfield@york.ac.uk

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.

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