Research Associate

Job title:

Research Associate

Company

University of Glasgow

Job description

Job PurposeTo make a leading contribution to the UKRI-funded Land Use for Net Zero project “RESPECT” (PI – Prof Jill Robbie), as one of a team of PDRAs, based mainly at the University of Glasgow. The position is based in Glasgow, working with Prof Nicki Whitehouse (line manager) and Dr Adrian Bass. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow. The post involves carrying out data collection and analyses in both case study regions (the Forth and Humber catchments). These will include analyses of new and existing LiDAR, geoarchaeological, archaeological and palaeoecological data to develop a landscape model of Quaternary evolution and chronology, alongside targeted landscape geoarchaeological analysis of key catchment locations for radiocarbon and stratigraphic analysis. Existing palaeoecological (pollen) data sets will be used to develop modelled land cover map(s) of the targeted regions over time using the Multiple Scenarios Approach (MSA), underpinned by the Quaternary landscape evolution model, to inform future land cover management practices and decision making.A starting date of January 2025 is envisaged.This position will be located in Work Package 1: Peatland Through Time and Space, which will establish the current and future physical capacity of land in the case study regions to contribute to net zero, and prioritise areas for peatland restoration.Main Duties and Responsibilities1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the aims of the Work Package. In particular, the Research Associate will:(a) Develop a Quaternary landscape palaeogeography model in space and time for the two case study regions using LiDAR, archaeological, palaeoecological, chronological and geoarchaeological data(b) Create a land-cover model using pollen-based land cover modelling approaches (Multiple Scenarios Approach) over time in key catchments and work with members of the wider project team to project this into the future to inform future land management practices and decision-making possibilities.(c) Work with researchers within the Work Package to ground truth the model using LiDAR, augering and geoarchaeological approaches, combined with chronology building.(d) Map the historic environment record and undertake sensitivity analysis of this based on past, present and future land use and climate scenarios.(e) Work with researchers within the Work Package to establish the current and future physical capacity of land in the case study regions to contribute to net zero, and prioritise areas for peatland restoration.(f) Work with researchers within the Work Package to create a methods template to allow replication of methods to other regions.(g) Work across Work Packages to feed data into the experiments and interviews to establish the social capacities of key land stakeholders to engage in peatland restoration to be organised by RESPECT.(h) Work across Work Packages to feed data into Peatland Triage Tool produced by RESPECT.2. Document research outputs including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.3. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.4. Establish and maintain their research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow and the project, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal/environmental benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.5. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in activities of the research project/University and broader LUNZ research consortium.6. Take a leading role in organising team/group meetings/seminars/workshops with colleagues and project partners, and other research activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the project.7. Be responsible for safety management related to the organisation and running of Laboratory, Fieldwork, and/or Experimental techniques, equipment and processes as appropriate.8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.9. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.10. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.11. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by Supervisors and Leads of the Work Package.12. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University Strategy, World Changing Glasgow 2025.Knowledge/QualificationsEssential:A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 [PhD] in a relevant field such as Environmental Archaeology and/or Palaeoecology; or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role[s].SkillsEssential:C1 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism of archaeology & palaeoecology of peatlands, wetlands and/or land-use/ land-cover reconstruction.C2 Ability and experience of conducting field research independently and as part of a team in logistically challenging environments.C3 Knowledge and experience of project-specific techniques such as geoarchaeological analysis, sediment characterisation, radiocarbon sampling, the palaeoecology of peatlands, interpretation of pollen data and approaches to developing palaeoecologically derived land-cover maps (e.g. using the Multiple Scenario Approach (MSA), Landscape Reconstruction Approach (LRA) or other).C4 Statistical analysis and data presentation in coding environments such as R / Python, and GIS.Desirable:D1 Experience of research specifically on peatland palaeoecology and geoarchaeology.D2 Research using the archaeological record to inform modern and future land-use management and policy.D3 Skills in the interpretation of LiDAR data from wetland environments.D4 Skills in developing palaeoecologically derived land-cover maps using the Multiple Scenario Approach or other similar (e.g. LRA), including underlying GIS and chronology models.ExperienceEssential:E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience drawn from academia or practice, normally including postdoctoral experience in a related field such as environmental archaeology, palaeoecology, geoarchaeology, peatland ecosystems, pollen-vegetation-atmosphere-hydrosphere interactions or another applicable field, appropriate to an early career researcher.E2 Proven ability to deliver quality archaeological/palaeoecological outputs in a timely and efficient mannerE3 Experience of creating pollen-based vegetation reconstructions and palaeoecological chronologiesE4 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences.E5 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities.E6 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of experiments and drafting of papers.E7 Experience in undertaking independent research.Desirable:F1 Experience of working with non-academic stakeholders. F2 Experience working in interdisciplinary research teams.F3 Proven ability to develop Bayesian chronologies for peatland palaeoecological sequences.F4 Previous experience in developing land-cover maps using MSA, LRA and/or other modelling techniques.Please contact Prof Nicki Whitehouse ([email protected]) for further information on this project and position.Terms and ConditionsSalary will be Grade 7, £40,247 – £45,163 per annum.This post is full time and fixed term until 31 July 2027.As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.As a valued member of our team, you can expect:1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.3 A flexible approach to working.4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.In line with the commitments in the University of Glasgow’s Gaelic Language Plan, we also welcome and value skills in Gaelic language for anyone working within areas where key Gaelic services are delivered, in particular within the School of Humanities / Sgoil nan Daonnachdan and the College of ArtsWe endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.Vacancy Ref : 157531 Close Date : 21-Nov-2024 23:45

Expected salary

£40247 – 45163 per year

Location

Glasgow

Job date

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 23:43:52 GMT

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