Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in Peat Paludiculture Biogeochemistry and Ecology

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is looking for a highly skilled and motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate for a full-time fixed term contract for 2 years to undertake applied research on the environmental sustainability of high water-table agriculture.

This work will support the delivery of the UK Innovate funded Farming Innovation Project (FIP): 'System innovation to transform underperforming peatlands into profitable, carbon sequestering farmland'. This industry-led project focuses on the development and assessment of Typha-based paludiculture in order to deliver more sustainable, commercially viable agriculture and agricultural products ('BioPuff®') from high-water peatland farming. LJMU's role is primarily focused on assessing the environmental and ecological sustainability credentials of the agricultural systems associated with this project.

This project will develop one of the largest UK paludiculture sites, developing knowledge at a new scale which will have implications both commercially and for policy development. The role will be weighted strongly in three main fields: 1) peat biogeochemistry – specifically developing and undertaking a monitoring scheme and reporting of GHG emissions, soil and water physiochemistry and fluvial emissions for verification on environmental credentials and Life Cycle Assessments; 2) biodiversity/ecological surveys of the trial area; and 3) assessing and reporting on the efficacy of the automated monitoring network and site establishment approaches.

Responsibilities include:
- Leading elements in the coordination of project goals and collaborating with project partners (both NGO and commercial)
- Helping design and develop coordinated approaches to data collection and designing the monitoring to support the reporting programme/timeline
- Lab work, data analysis and the drafting/submission of peer-reviewed publications, alongside project reports aligning with deliverables
- Administrative tasks linked to purchasing, timesheet reporting and aiding in research assistant management/supervision
- Wider engagement with the larger project and partners, reflecting the commercial expectations of the project
- Being part of a wider peat research team (other PDRAs and PhDs) led by Professor Evers at LJMU, and collaborating with the project team and parallel projects linked to sustainable management of UK lowland peat agricultural land

The postholder will need to be a strong team player and adaptable to a collaborative approach, as well as a strong independent worker.

In return, LJMU offers an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction and development support, and family-friendly policies. All fixed-term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (pro-rata) in line with the Researcher Development Concordat.

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Stephanie Evers at [email protected]