Senior Research Associate, Species Distribution Modelling

Senior Research Associate, Ref: RA1709

Species Distribution Modelling

£33,797 to £40,322 per annum, pro rata

UEA (in collaboration with Cambridge, RSPB, and Lancaster) seek a post-doctoral researcher to apply joint species distribution modelling to a metabarcoding dataset from the inhabited buffer zone of the Gola Rainforest National Park (GRNP) in Sierra Leone. The research is funded by a NERC UK Innovation Grant to verify the effectiveness of premium pricing for Biodiversity-Friendly cocoa and REDD+ carbon-credit payments. The researcher will combine biodiversity point-sample data with remotely sensed environmental covariates (airborne LiDAR, satellite multispectral, and ground-truthed land-cover classes) to create a biodiversity distribution model. This will be paired with a separately produced aboveground-biomass distribution model to map areas where the expansion of cocoa and subsistence farming will be less detrimental to biodiversity and carbon stocks. RSPB and the Gola Rainforest Conservation Limited Group will subsequently use these maps to lead a participatory land-use planning negotiation in the buffer zone and to design a payment-for-ecological-services (PES) programme.

The successful candidate will be expected to have a Ph.D. in Ecology, Environmental Sciences, Statistics, or related discipline (or equivalent experience), and experience with species distribution modelling is required. You must also have excellent statistical programming skills in R, including robust coding practices, excellent teamwork, interpersonal skills, and written and verbal communication skills. Experience with and knowledge of joint species distribution modelling, Bayesian statistical modelling, metabarcoding or other DNA-based datasets, and remote-sensing datasets are desirable but not required. Knowledge of tropical ecology, entomology, and/or conservation policy/biology is also desirable.

The position is hosted at the University of East Anglia, but it is possible for the successful candidate to work remotely from anywhere within the UK, supplemented by regular visits to research team members.

This part-time (0.5 FTE) post is for a fixed term of 12 months, and is due to commence 1 May 2020 (flexible) but must end on 30 April 2021. The start date can be delayed by a few months, with a pro-rated increase in the monthly salary and work time.

Closing date: 15 December 2019.

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