Senior Research Associate (Fixed Term)

A Senior Research Associate position is available for a highly talented and motivated individual to work with considerable responsibility in The Scott Polar Research Institute, reporting to Prof Marc Macias-Fauria. Prof Macias- Fauria's research group has broad interests in understanding the coupling between physical and biological systems, with a focus on cold environments. Research conducted within the group spans the areas of spatial ecology, ecological interactions, vegetation resilience to climate change, and long- term ecology and biodiversity.

The successful candidate will take a lead with Prof Marc Macias-Fauria in driving forward a NERC-funded project about the effects of megafauna as ecosystem engineers in the Arctic. Employing a process-based and spatially comprehensive framework, this project will test a series of hypotheses on the capacity of large terrestrial mammals in the Arctic to fundamentally modify land cover, biodiversity, and thermal and nutrient regimes. The post holder will have the operational responsibility of the project, which will have a strong fieldwork component in Kangerlussuaq (Qeqqata municipality, western Greenland). The Research Scientist will assist in the planning, coordination, and implementation of the research programme, and will be responsible for overseeing the preparation of field equipment and its installation. Further, the post holder will take responsibility in the science communication of the research topics linked to this project. Providing scientific leadership within the research group, the successful candidate will work closely with Prof Marc Macias-Fauria to ensure delivery on strategic scientific goals, while having considerable scope to set day-to-day research objectives. The successful candidate is expected to generate research ideas, with a specific focus on Earth observation and Arctic rewilding and nature-based solutions, as well as to engage in own research programmes in consultation with Prof Marc Macias- Fauria. They will have significant responsibility for scientific outputs of the lab including writing and contributing to scientific publications, as well as originating and developing internal and external networks.

We are looking for a scientist with significant post-doctoral experience in research and a proven track record in supporting more junior scientists. The successful candidate will have a PhD, considerable post-doctoral experience, an established record in conducting internationally recognised research in tundra vegetation change and animal-vegetation interactions, and a strong trajectory on Earth observation technologies, with an emphasis on the use of Unmanned Aerial vehicles for environmental monitoring. Applicants will also possess ample fieldwork experience in the Arctic and the technical know-how to deal with scientific equipment, in the lab and in the field, and a demonstrated experience in science communication, with a focus on employing new technologies in outreach and education.

The Scott Polar Research Institute was established in 1920, to encourage polar science and exploration. A unique feature of the Institute is that the range of expertise of its researchers includes and bridges the human and natural sciences. The Institute is comprised of a Museum, a Library, an Archive and Picture Library Collection, and undertakes world leading research in the polar sciences and humanities. The Institute offers an MPhil in Polar Studies and a three-year PhD programme. The role will be based at the Institute on Lensfield Road, Cambridge.

Fixed-term: the funds for this post are available for 36 months since the appointment date in the first instance.

The closing date for applications is: 10th December 2023

The interview date for the role is: 12th January 2024

Click the 'Apply' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please ensure that you upload a cover letter, a CV, and a research statement in the Upload section of the online application. The cover letter should outline how you match the criteria for the post and why you are applying for this role. In the research statement, you should write your research vision for the next 3 years and how the present post will enable it. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please include details of your referees, including email address and phone number, one of which must be your most recent line manager.

Full details of the role and requirements are available in the further particulars. Please contact the Institute Administrator [email protected] with informal enquiries.

Please quote reference LD39078 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

Scott Polar Research Institute

£45,585-£57,696

LD39078

Research

20 November 2023

10 December 2023