Postdoctoral Researcher – Ecologist to Lead Research into Mechanistic Understanding of the Spatio-temporal Distribution of Invertebrate Populations (Full time, Fixed term up to 30 May 2026)

Harper Adams College is looking for to recruit a researcher in ecology with an curiosity in utilized invertebrate biology and a background and curiosity in quantitative strategies and spatial evaluation. The place holder will take a number one function in a collaborative group conducting analysis right into a novel, environmentally sustainable and commercially viable method to manage of the gray discipline slug, Deroceras reticulatum. In recent times the Invertebrate Biology Crew has been investigating the spatial distribution of slugs in arable fields, with inhabitants distributions characterised by a number of “islands/patches” of excessive slug density inside “seas” of low slug numbers. We’ve established the behavioural mechanisms underpinning the spatio-temporal stability of patches, their measurement vary/frequency in arable fields, and the financial viability of focusing on therapies – pathogenic nematodes or typical molluscicidal pellets – solely on the patches for slug management (see detailed job description for publications). The purpose is now to increase this work to develop a precision agriculture method which considerably reduces the world handled and related environmental threat, whereas attaining dependable management of the pest. To do that the important thing environmental components which govern the areas through which patches will kind should be established, and predictive fashions/equations developed to be used with (present) automated utility gear. 

The postholder will take the educational lead of a discipline and modelling examine to develop and validate this pest slug prediction system, offering educational analysis and rigor as a clearly outlined part of a giant collaborative mission involving academia, business, and farmers. As well as, to make sure financial viability of the method, they’ll collaborate with know-how specialists who will probably be investigating using soil scans undertaken to help different husbandry choices (however which replicate key soil traits recognized by earlier discipline/modelling work as doubtlessly vital for patch location), as enter information for the ultimate process developed. Alternatives may also come up to combine findings with using robotic approaches to pathogenic nematode therapies for slugs, guaranteeing the process can be utilized for typical and organic management. This mission will due to this fact give the profitable candidate a variety of expertise and transferable expertise for his or her future profession. 

You probably have any queries or questions or for an off-the-cuff dialogue, please contact Keith Walters through e mail at [email protected] . Please click on on the above ‘Apply’ button to be redirected to our web site Harper Adams e-Recruitment programme at http://jobs.harper-adams.ac.uk  to be accomplished no later than midnight on 2 April 2024.

Utility Process:

Functions ought to be made by sending a full Curriculum Vitae and supporting assertion, which clearly highlights how your expertise and expertise match the necessities of the function, to Jayne Weaver through e mail to [email protected] . Candidates ought to be sure that they supply full particulars of the identify, postal deal with, e mail deal with and phone variety of two referees, together with current or most up-to-date employer.