Research Associate in Land Systems Science

Overview

Newcastle University is offering a full-time, fixed-term position for a Research Associate in Land Systems Science within the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. The successful candidate will join the TROPS research lab of Professor Marion Pfeifer to work on the European Research Council project titled From Forests to Fields to Sustainable Rural Landscapes: A Multiscale Framework for Quantifying Biodiversity and Climate Interrelationships, known as TIF-CER. The project runs from January 2027 to December 2031 and examines how the structure and configuration of tree-based agricultural systems influence climate regulation, biodiversity, and ecosystem services across contrasting agroclimatic contexts.

Who can apply

The role is open to candidates capable of working across disciplines and spatial scales who can combine modelling with field-based research. The position involves substantial international travel, particularly during the first two years of the project, to work with international research partners in the United Kingdom, Italy, the Philippines, Tanzania, Chile, and Tunisia.

What you get

The position provides a salary of 37,369 British Pounds per annum. This is a five-year, full-time and fixed-term appointment based on site.

Requirements

The appointed researcher will focus on climate functions and associated services and disservices at tree, farm, and catchment scales, with particular attention to hydrological processes, water use, flood risks, and drought risks. Responsibilities include developing and applying mechanistic models, integrating field and spatial data, collaborating with ecological and biodiversity researchers, designing and implementing field campaigns, and training research assistants in standardised data collection. Additionally, the role involves co-supervising two PhD students, collaborating with diverse stakeholders, and contributing to the development of an international research network and end-user decision-making tools.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is November 11, 2026. The underlying research project runs from January 2027 to December 2031.