Research Fellow in Mountain River Ecology

Salary: Grade 7 (£39,355 – £46,735 p.a. depending on experience)

We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements.

Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have an established background in river ecology, glacier-fed river ecosystem studies and water quality dynamics? Are you interested to explore the impacts of climate change on mountain river ecosystems, working with researchers and end-users in Nepal to create a standardised biomonitoring approach for high-elevation Himalayan rivers? Do you want to further your career in one of the UK’s leading research-intensive universities?

We are looking for a highly-motivated postdoctoral researcher to join our group which is engaged in diverse aspects of research in river basins, with an emphasis on ecosystem dynamics. Working alongside both academic and non-academic partners in Nepal, you will take the day-to-day lead on a newly funded NERC Pushing the Frontiers project that aims to assess the effects of glacier retreat on aquatic biodiversity and river water quality in the Himalayas. This project will use a combination of field surveys, field experiments, microscopy identification of invertebrates/algae, molecular analysis of aquatic organisms, and statistical modelling, to build new understanding of how Himalayan glacier-fed river systems are structured and function. Specifically, the project will quantify the biodiversity of bacteria, fungi, algae and invertebrates in relation to environmental characteristics, manipulate water chemistry at selected locations to observe microbial community structural and functional responses, and build models to predict how Himalayan river biodiversity can be expected to change in coming decades.

You will join the multidisciplinary and diverse River Basin Processes and Management research group, working in our aquatic ecology team led by Prof. Lee Brown, and collaborate with colleagues from the University of Essex, Cary Institute (USA), Kathmandu University and Tribhuvan University. You will benefit from collaborations (industry and academia), international fieldwork and conference attendance, and tailored skills training. You will be expected to develop the project ideas and lead fieldwork expeditions and laboratory analysis to meet the project’s multiple aims.

You will have, or be close to completing, a PhD in Ecology or Biological Sciences or a closely related discipline, together with a strong background in river ecosystem science, microbial analysis and data analytics. You will also have a positive attitude to collaborative research and the drive to make a significant contribution to ensuring this ground-breaking project is a success. Experience working in high-mountain environments is required due to the need to lead expeditions to 5000m+ elevation. You will also have excellent organisational and communication skills, and the ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team. You will be encouraged to develop your initiative and independence and will have to opportunity to undertake training and career development offered by the University of Leeds.

Please note that this post may be suitable for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route but first-time applicants might need to qualify for salary concessions. For more information please visit: www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

What we offer in return

•    26 days holiday plus approx.16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!

•    Generous pension scheme plus life assurance– the University contributes 14.5% of salary

•    Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.

•    Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.

•    Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.

And much more!  

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Lee Brown

Email: l.brown@leeds.ac.uk 

Closing Date: 21 May 2025

Section: Academic

Salary: £39,355 to £46,735 per annum