Research Associate in Soil and Grassland Ecology

We are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic post-doctoral researcher to join our team at Manchester as part of our BBSRC funded Global Challenges Research Fund (GRCF) project Restoring African degraded landscapes by exploiting plant biodiversity and grazing management to support smallholders’ livelihoods. The aim of this project is to elucidate the underlying biological mechanisms behind successful restoration of degraded lands in the highlands of Kenya, supported by an understanding of the governance of resources required to sustain success.

This full-time, 1-year position will be part of the Soil and Ecosystem Ecology group at Manchester https://www.ees.manchester.ac.uk/soil-ecosystem-ecology-lab/ and will work in collaboration with scientists at the University of Lancaster, the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Kabianga University and the Centre for International Forestry Research to test the use of plant functional diversity to restore soil functioning in degraded grasslands in Kenya. The project has one year remaining and the successful applicant will be responsible for the analysis of soil samples and large datasets on soil functioning taken from a large-scale field survey on different degradation states and vegetation manipulation experiment based in Kenya. You will have a background in plant, soil sciences, and/or ecology, and relevant experience or data analysis and conducting field work in the natural environment. Depending on travel restrictions related to Covid-19, you will have an opportunity to travel to Kenya to work with collaborators and oversee experimental work. We welcome proactive and enthusiastic applicants with good communication and interpersonal skills and an eagerness towards solutions to a major environmental challenge, namely the degradation of grasslands.

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status.  All appointments will be made on merit.

http://www.seaes.manchester.ac.uk/about-us/athena-swan/

Happy to talk flexible working.

Blended working arrangements may be considered

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Professor Richard Bardgett

Email: richard.bardgett@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: hrservices@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.