The University of Plymouth is recruiting a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Peatland Fire, Palaeoecology and Ecological Resilience in Plymouth, UK. The full-time research position is based in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and offers a salary of £39,906–£46,049 per annum. The research covers peatland fire, palaeoecology and ecological resilience.
The research focuses on the PeatFiRes project, which investigates how UK peatlands have responded to fire, climate and land-use change over the past 5,000 years. The project combines palaeoecology with analytical approaches, including peat-core analysis, multiproxy reconstruction, and FTIR spectroscopy, to examine past fire and ecosystem responses.
In this role, the Postdoctoral Research Fellow will conduct palaeoecological fieldwork and laboratory analysis of peat cores, including charcoal, pollen, plant macrofossils and testate amoebae. The researcher will also develop FTIR approaches, integrate multiproxy datasets, contribute to modelling and data analysis, and prepare research outputs.
Within the wider project, the researcher will work with an interdisciplinary team covering palaeoecology, archaeology, geospatial analysis, palaeo-fire, landscape modelling, climate science, carbon and peatlands. The role also involves collaboration with external stakeholders, knowledge exchange, peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Position Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow – Peatland Fire, Palaeoecology and Ecological Resilience
- Official Reference number: B1384
- Institution: University of Plymouth, UK
- Department: School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Research Discipline(s): Palaeoecology, Environmental Science, Geography, Ecology
- Location: Plymouth, UK
- Job Type: Postdoctoral Research
- Contract Duration: Temporary, full-time
- Start Date: Not specified in the official vacancy
- Working Hours: 37 hours per week
- Salary: £39,906–£46,049 per annum, Grade 7
- Required Qualification: PhD in palaeoecology, environmental science, geography, ecology or a related discipline
Research Areas
- Palaeoecology and palaeo-fire research
- Peatland fire and ecological resilience
- Environmental change and climate research
- Archaeology and landscape modelling
- Peatland and carbon research
- FTIR spectroscopy and environmental analysis
Eligibility and Qualifications
- PhD in palaeoecology, environmental science, geography, ecology or a related discipline.
- Experience in palaeoecological research.
- Experience analysing and interpreting past environmental datasets.
- Relevant laboratory or analytical experience.
- Experience with charcoal, pollen, plant macrofossils or FTIR is desirable.
- Strong quantitative and analytical skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively across disciplines.
- An adaptable approach to interdisciplinary research.
Key Responsibilities
The successful researcher will be expected to:
- Conduct palaeoecological fieldwork and laboratory analysis of peat cores.
- Analyse charcoal, pollen, plant macrofossils and testate amoebae.
- Develop and apply FTIR spectroscopy to characterise charcoal and past fire events.
- Integrate multiproxy datasets to investigate peatland responses to environmental change.
- Contribute to data analysis, modelling, publications and conference presentations.
- Collaborate with the interdisciplinary project team, stakeholders and external partners.
Salary and Benefits
The University of Plymouth offers a salary of £39,906–£46,049 per annum for this full-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow position. Eligible employees can access the following benefits:
- 35 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays and closure days.
- Generous pension scheme.
- Flexible working and enhanced family leave.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Cycle to Work and Electric Car Scheme.
- Employee Assistance Programme and retailer discounts.
- On-site nursery.
Application Process
Candidates should apply online and demonstrate how they meet the essential criteria outlined in the job description, particularly the required qualifications, knowledge, training, skills and experience.
Required documents
- Online application
- Supporting statement demonstrating how the candidate meets the essential criteria
Important Dates
- Deadline: 1 October 2026
- Interview Period: Week commencing Monday 12 October 2026
Eligible candidates should review the official vacancy and submit their application through the University of Plymouth’s online recruitment system.
Related Academic Opportunities
- Postdoctoral research opportunities
- Palaeoenvironmental science jobs
- Archaeology research positions
- UK university jobs
- International postdoctoral fellowships
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the position?
It is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow position focused on peatland fire, palaeoecology and ecological resilience.
Where is the position based?
The position is based in Plymouth, UK, within the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences.
What project will the researcher join?
The researcher will contribute to the PeatFiRes project, investigating UK peatland responses to fire, climate and land-use change over 5,000 years.
What qualification is required?
Applicants need a PhD in palaeoecology, environmental science, geography, ecology or a related discipline.
What is the salary for this post?
The salary is £39,906–£46,049 per annum at Grade 7.
When are interviews scheduled?
Interviews are scheduled for the week commencing Monday 12 October 2026.
Institutional Overview
The University of Plymouth is a public university based in Plymouth, England. Its academic and research work covers a wide range of subjects, with particular strengths across environmental, marine, health and technological fields. The university supports interdisciplinary research that brings together different academic areas to address environmental and societal challenges. Its School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences brings together research in geography, Earth sciences, environmental science and related disciplines. Research within the school includes areas such as climate change, natural hazards, conservation, pollution and environmental change. The university also provides research facilities and opportunities for fieldwork, laboratory analysis and collaboration across disciplines. This research environment provides the academic setting for the Postdoctoral Research Fellow position in peatland fire, palaeoecology and ecological resilience.
Explore more postdoctoral, palaeoecology, archaeology, environmental science and related academic research opportunities through HigherJobz.
