Research Associate (Crop Modelling)

University of Sheffield - School of Biosciences

Job description:

Working Pattern: Full time (100% FTE)

We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Biosciences for a Research Associate specializing in plant physiology, remote sensing and computational modelling. The research associate will work on a multi-disciplinary project applying novel sensor-based techniques for modelling plant physiological function under different light environments. The position will require a researcher who has experience working with sensor data (i.e. optical, thermal, chlorophyll fluorescence) and/or experience with measuring or modelling leaf gas-exchange and plant traits. The successful candidate will work with Prof. Colin Osborne and Dr. Holly Croft, as part of wider Horizon Europe project ‘PV4Plants: An AgriPV system with climate, water and light spectrum control for safe and improved crop production’. The postholder will be responsible for: i) collecting, processing and analysing proximal sensor data for detecting changes in plant performance, ii) developing modelling approaches to estimate plant photosynthesis and transpiration from sensor data. Iii) authoring peer-reviewed journal articles and communicate scientific results to collaborators and peers.

The ideal candidate will have a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in remote sensing, plant science, computer science or a related field. Experience in collecting, processing, analysing or using plant physiological data or sensor data and strong communication skills with the ability to plan and organise your time effectively are also essential. On commencement of the position, you will be based in Sheffield, with occasional travel to visit academic and industrial collaborators in the UK and abroad. You will also be supported and encouraged to present project outputs at national and international conferences.

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university. We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

We build teams of people from different heritages and lifestyles from across the world, whose talent and contributions complement each other to greatest effect. We believe diversity in all its forms delivers greater impact through research, teaching and student experience.