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)

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Agriculture & Surroundings
Location: Newport, Shropshire TF10 8NB
Wage:
£33,966 to £37,099
every year
The purpose of entry might be dependent upon related {qualifications} and expertise
Submit Sort: Full Time
Closing Date:
Tuesday 02 April 2024
Reference: KW-1228A

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 position in a collaborative group conducting analysis right into a novel, environmentally sustainable and commercially viable strategy to manage of the gray discipline slug, Deroceras reticulatum. In recent times the Invertebrate Biology Workforce 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 have now established the behavioural mechanisms underpinning the spatio-temporal stability of patches, their dimension vary/frequency in arable fields, and the financial viability of concentrating on therapies – pathogenic nematodes or standard molluscicidal pellets – solely on the patches for slug management (see detailed job description for publications). The intention is now to increase this work to develop a precision agriculture strategy which considerably reduces the realm handled and related environmental danger, whereas reaching dependable management of the pest. To do that the important thing environmental elements which govern the areas during which patches will type 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 tutorial analysis and rigor as a clearly outlined part of a giant collaborative challenge involving academia, trade, and farmers. As well as, to make sure financial viability of the strategy, they are going to collaborate with expertise consultants who might be investigating using soil scans undertaken to assist different husbandry selections (however which replicate key soil traits recognized by earlier discipline/modelling work as probably necessary for patch location), as enter information for the ultimate process developed. Alternatives will even come up to combine findings with using robotic approaches to pathogenic nematode therapies for slugs, guaranteeing the process can be utilized for standard and organic management. This challenge will due to this fact give the profitable candidate a variety of expertise and transferable expertise for his or her future profession.

When you have any queries or questions or for a casual dialogue, please contact Keith Walters through e-mail at [email protected]   

Software Process:

Functions must be made by sending a full Curriculum Vitae and supporting assertion, which clearly highlights how your expertise and expertise match the necessities of the position, to Jayne Weaver through e-mail to [email protected]  Candidates ought to make 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. Please quote ref KW-1228A in your utility.  

Deadline for submission of purposes is midnight on 2 April 2024

Do you have to require any changes to finish your utility for this position then please contact [email protected]    

If you don’t but have the suitable to work within the UK and/or are looking for sponsorship for a Expert Employee visa within the please comply with this hyperlink https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration which comprises additional details about acquiring the suitable to work within the UK and particulars about eligibility for sponsorship for a Expert Employee Visa.