Research Fellow

About the job

Ammonia (NH₃) deposition poses a significant threat to peatlands, disrupting their slow forming carbon cycles and weakening their ability to act as long term carbon sinks. We are seeking a Research Fellow to join PEACE Air, a major all island initiative funded by PEACEPLUS and managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). The programme aims to improve air quality and protect public health across Northern Ireland and Ireland through evidence based policy, innovation, and cross border collaboration. This role offers an exciting opportunity to investigate how agricultural NH₃ emissions affect peatland ecosystems across the island.

The successful candidate will lead research integrating remote sensing, fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and geospatial methods, including GIS and geomatics, to assess the vulnerability and response of peatlands to atmospheric nitrogen inputs. The post forms part of a wider research effort examining ecosystem responses to air pollution, with a strong focus on advanced spatial and environmental data analysis.

Based at Queen’s University Belfast and working closely with Technological University Dublin, the Research Fellow will contribute to a dynamic, multi institutional team. The role requires initiative, independence, and strong communication skills to plan and deliver research activities, collaborate with project partners, and support outreach. A key responsibility will be coordinating a Peatland Forum on ammonia impacts, connecting researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers.

About the person

Applicants should have experience with remote sensing data (satellite, LiDAR, drone or aerial imagery), strong geospatial analytical skills, and proven field and/or laboratory experience in land use change, ecosystem dynamics, biodiversity, or biogeochemistry. Experience working in peatlands or other sensitive environments is highly desirable.

Essential criteria:

• Normally have or be about to obtain a *relevant PhD. (*in Geography, Palaeoecology, Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Environmental Engineering, Remote Sensing, Geographical Information Science (GIS) or closely related areas.
• Experience using remote-sensing techniques (e.g., satellite imagery, LiDAR, drone or aerial surveys) and Geographical Information Systems (ArcGIS or open source platforms such as QGIS) to analyse, evaluate, and interpret spatial and environmental data relevant to the PEACE Air project.
• Experience conducting field based and/or laboratory based investigations in environmental or ecological contexts.
• Experience monitoring or assessing land use, ecosystem, or biodiversity change, including data collection, analysis, and interpretation.
• A proven track record in numerical data analysis and/or modelling, demonstrating the ability to handle complex datasets and apply appropriate analytical techniques.
• Ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary research environment, contributing to collaborative project goals.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

This post is a fixed term contract available for approximately 36 months. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding. To view further information and/or apply please visit our website.

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