"Research Fellow (Fixed-Term)"

University of Nottingham - Biosciences

Location:	Sutton Bonington
Salary:	£31,387 to £46,485 per annum, pro rata depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD). Salary progression beyond this scale is subject to performance.
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On:	25th March 2026
Closes:	17th April 2026
Job Ref:	SCI547726

Across history, plant propagation has been essential for both medicinal and food production practices. The UK boasts a rich tradition of plant cultivation dating back to medieval times, where gardens served as vital sources for medicinal herbs. However, much of the knowledge surrounding historical plant propagation techniques has been lost over time. As we face pressing challenges related to biodiversity loss, sustainability, and the urgent need to meet net-zero carbon targets, uncovering and understanding these historical practices could provide innovative solutions for modern plant production demands.

Our project aims to integrate forgotten knowledge of plant propagation from historical texts held at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and manuscript repositories into modern science to improve plant production techniques. Alongside identifying and validating propagation techniques and peat-free alternatives, we will develop new AI search tools and explore cultural shifts in horticulture influenced by scientific advancements.

Role Overview

We are seeking a highly motivated researcher with expertise and interests at the intersection of plant science and historical studies and willing to do both library research with historical documents and hands-on plant propagation. We are open to all applicants with expertise in either (or both) disciplines with a willingness to quickly learn any skills they may need to further develop (and for which we will provide support). The applicant will also be expected to work side-by-side with staff recruited in computer science and the wider academic team bridging Bioscience, English, Computer science and Pharmacy and in collaboration with the Royal Horticulture Society. If you are widely interested in science and history, we want to hear from you.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on a groundbreaking interdisciplinary project addressing sustainability and biodiversity challenges.
• Training to gain skills in plant or historical methods as needed as well as transferable skills related to team work, collaboration and interdisciplinary research.
• Access to unique historical collections and cutting-edge scientific facilities.
• Collaborative environment with experts in plant science, computer science, and cultural history.

This is a full time (36.25 hours weekly) fixed-term vacancy that with the duration ending in March of 2028.

Any informal enquiries can be directed to Amanda Rasmussen, amanda.rasmussen@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent to this email address will not be considered.