About the Position
The University of Reading is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) in Holocene Vegetation Modelling within the School of Archaeology, Geography & Environmental Science. Supervised by Professor Sandy P. Harrison, this 18-month full-time position focuses on applying eco-evolutionary optimality models to study how climate variations during the Holocene period influenced vegetation properties and isotopic records. The project contributes to major international collaborations, including a NERC-funded study on “When and Why does it Rain in the Desert,” and aligns with the department’s commitment to advancing global environmental and climate research through cutting-edge modelling and interdisciplinary methods.
Position/Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) in Holocene Vegetation Modelling
- Institution: University of Reading
- Department: School of Archaeology, Geography & Environmental Science
- Research Field: Holocene Vegetation and Climate Modelling
- Location: Whiteknights, Reading, United Kingdom
- Number of Posts: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed-term (up to 18 months)
- Start Date (Anticipated): Early 2026
- Working Hours: 1.0 FTE
- Salary Range: £36,636 per annum
- Required Degree/Diploma: PhD
Research Area
- Holocene vegetation and isotopic modelling
- Eco-evolutionary optimality approaches
- Climate–vegetation interaction modelling
- Geospatial and time-series analysis
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g. Environmental Science, Ecology, Geography, or Climate Modelling)
- Strong programming skills in R, Fortran, or Python
- Experience handling large datasets and climate model outputs
- Demonstrated analytical and statistical expertise
Preferred Qualifications:
- Familiarity with eco-evolutionary optimality theory
- Previous publications in related fields
- Strong teamwork and independent research skills
Key Responsibilities
- Design and conduct vegetation–climate model experiments
- Analyse isotopic responses to historical environmental changes
- Collaborate with international research teams
- Contribute to peer-reviewed publications and project reports
Application Process
How to Apply:
Applicants should apply through the University of Reading’s official recruitment portal. Before applying, ensure eligibility under the UK Skilled Worker Route (SWR) if visa sponsorship is required.
Required Documents:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover Letter
- Research Statement
- Contact details of referees
Important Dates
- Application Opens: 10 October 2025
- Deadline: 28 November 2025 (23:59 BST)
- Interview Date: To be confirmed
Useful Links
- Institution Website: University of Reading
- Official Notification Link: Click here
- Apply Now: University of Reading Careers Portal
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