About the Project
The AFRI-CAN project explores the interlinked interactions of human systems and mountain ecosystems understood as mountain socioecological systems (MtSES) by combining state-of-the-art modelling, interdisciplinary insights and valuation assessments of nature contributions to people to co-produce pathways for sustainable mountain futures.
The PhD researcher will be part of the East African Mountain social ecological dynamics ERC Synergy project (AFRI-CAN). Their research will focus on synthesising existing palaeoecological records, historical photographs and information to reconstruct and map mountain ecosystems across East African Mountains. There could be targeted archival or palaeoecological research focused on tracing the spread of crops across the mountain case-study sites.
The PhD researcher will play a central role in synthesising and visualising the historical and palaeoecological data into forms that can be used in participatory scenario analysis and wider dissemination aspects of outcomes from all WPs. This will include, amongst others, the creation of maps at different scales and in different formats with accompanying educational materials (in English and local languages) to be distributed both in digital and analogue formats to different target audiences (ie teachers and learners in a selection of schools in the East African mountain regions of interest, community members, local NGOs). They will also learn to:
- Synthesise existing historical and palaeoecological data on East African mountain ecosystems over the past 6000 years to explore the interaction between anthropogenic and environmental drivers in driving ecosystem transitions.
- Explore the interaction between anthropogenic and environmental drivers in driving ecosystem transitions in the context of agriculture as a driver of land cover change.
- Conduct targeted archival research on the spread of agricultural crops across the case-study sites, particularly focused on transitions from Millet to Maize and bananas and development of mixed agroforestry systems.
- Take the lead in writing and publishing the scientific outputs along with academic and non-academic dissemination.
- Synthesis and visualise data for use in participatory scenario analyses and comparison work with dynamic vegetation model (LPJ-GUESS) output.
- Contribute into creating maps, educational materials for dissemination across different stakeholder groups across the study sites.
- Closely collaborate with ecologists, social scientists, other researchers on the team.
The ideal candidate will have experience/skills in these areas:
- Experience in synthesising palaeoecological and historical data on ecosystems
- Experience with geospatial analysis, mapping and GIS tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS
- Experience in data synthesis and visualisation for use in participatory workshops with diverse groups
- Very good communication skills in English
- Highly-developed communication, analytical, and IT skills, with a collaborative ethos and a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
The minimum entry requirement is a 2:1 or equivalent in a relevant scientific or technical discipline.
The start date of this PhD is proposed as 1 November 2026 but there may be some flexibility to start later.
Submit an online application for a PhD in Environmental Geography here.
More about the Department of Environment and Geography
Funding Notes
This PhD will be fully funded by a European Research Council (ERC) grant. This will include:
- Tuition fees at the Home/UK rate and 3.5 years of stipend at the UKRI rate (£21,805 in 2026/27)
Note that this project funding is not available to candidates paying fees at the international rate
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