Post-Doctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) in Functional Biodiversity

University of Reading - School of Archaeology Geography & Environmental Science

Location: Reading

Salary: £36,636 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 4th September 2025

Closes: 30th September 2025

Job Ref: SRF51815

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 in Functional Biodiversity 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 a theoretical basis for modelling functional biodiversity, based on eco-evolutionary optimality (EEO) theory. The PDRA will be explicitly responsible for statistical analysis of plant trait data and the development of a theoretical basis linking functional trait diversity to environmental constraints, as a basis for developing a EEO modelling framework. They will also be responsible for evaluating and optimising the performance of the modelling framework using field and laboratory experiments. They will collaborate with project scientists involved in the LEMONTREE Functional Biodiversity 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
• A good understanding of functional traits and biodiversity, and the environmental controls on these
• Broad understanding of eco-evolutionary optimality concepts and modelling
• 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 P. 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

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.