Job Description

The Post

We seek a biological modeller with experience of species distribution modelling (ecological niche modelling),advanced statistical modelling and scenario-based approaches.

This two-year role will focus on modelling the suitability of different ectomycorrhizal fungi(EMF) species, tree hosts and locations and exploring the benefits and trade-offs between EMF production and different structural and temporal components of the linked food and forest systems.

This Stirling-based role is part of an exciting interdisciplinary collaboration between University of Stirling (UoS) (Prof. Alistair Jump and Dr Dan Chapman) and Mycorrhizal Systems Ltd (MSL) a global leader in EMF activities led by Prof. Paul Thomas. Informal enquiries in advance of application can be made to Alistair Jump at

Description of Duties

• Engage in individual and collaborative research of international standard, which aligns to the strategic direction of the University, establish a distinctive programme of research and disseminate results through regular publication in high impact journals, books and conference proceedings and undertake knowledge exchange activities
• Identify appropriate sources of funding for research, consultancy, and impact generating activity; prepare research proposals for funding bodies; project manage research activities, and manage grants awarded
• Manage and develop external partnerships, including international and online teaching delivery
• Supervise and mentor research students and staff as required, providing direction, support and guidance
• Design, deliver, assess and evaluate a range of teaching and learning, supervision and assessment activities across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including online/digital programmes, where required

Essential Criteria

Qualifications:

• PhD in relevant area of biological sciences including ecology, climate change biology, forestry or agriculture

Knowledge, skills & experience:

• Experience in species distribution modelling (e.g correlative presence-background or presence-only models based on regression or machine learning
• Experience of statistical modelling of experimental or observational data (e.g. generalised linear mixed models, structural equation models or similar methods)
• Possess sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field, in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies
• Ability to routinely communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high level skills and a range of media
• Developing ability to conduct individual research work, to disseminate results and to prepare research proposals
• Extensive interpersonal skills including evidence of being responsible for a small research project or identified parts of a large project
• Effective academic written communication skills, evidenced by academic or other professional publications and reports
• Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate

For further information, including our candidate information pack that outlines full description of duties, essential criteria and details on how to apply, please see

Jobs.ac.uk