Research Fellow in Causal Inference and Ecology

Overview

The University of Southampton is hiring a Research Fellow in Causal Inference and Ecology within the School of Geography and Environmental Science. This position is part of the UKRI-funded PRECISE project, which aims to establish Precision Ecology by predicting site-specific responses to environmental management and restoration rather than relying on average effects. The appointee will work alongside researchers at the University of Southampton, the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, the Norwegian Institute for Nature Research, and international collaborators. The appointment is fixed-term for two and a half years.

What you get

The salary ranges from £37,369 to £45,641 per annum on a full-time, fixed-term contract basis. The role is based on site at the University of Southampton. The employing school provides career development opportunities, mentoring, family-friendly policies, flexi-time, and flexible working arrangements.

Requirements

Applicants must hold a PhD or possess equivalent professional experience in a relevant quantitative discipline. Candidates need strong quantitative-modelling skills, experience in analyzing complex observational data, and programming experience in R, Python, or related software for reproducible workflows. A solid understanding of causal inference applied to observational data and adherence to reproducible research and Open Science principles are necessary. Candidates must also demonstrate independent research and communication abilities through publications, software, reports, or equivalent outputs, alongside organizational, communication, and collaborative skills. Ecological experience is not strictly required if the applicant is willing to develop spatial and ecological knowledge.

How to apply

Applicants must submit a covering letter containing clear examples that demonstrate how their knowledge, experience, and skills align with the essential criteria outlined in the person specification. Further information about the position can be obtained by contacting Dr Becks Spake.

Key dates

The closing date for applications is 25 November 2026. The expected start date for the role is 1 February 2027.