Biodiversity and the Legacy of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Environments in the Neotropics University of Exeter in United Kingdom

This UKRI funded, full time post is available from 1st February 2025 to 31st January 2027 to support the work of Prof. Mark Robinson in relation to the Biodiversity and the Legacy of Anthropogenic Disturbance on Environments in the Neotropics project.

We welcome applications from candidates interested in working part-time hours or job-sharing arrangements.

The post

The successful applicant will conduct palaeoecological (pollen) analysis of sediment samples from a Belizean tropical forest.

You will contribute to cross-disciplinary research integrating a range of state-of-the-art techniques in archaeology, archaeobotany, palaeoclimate, remote sensing, botany, and plant DNA to investigate the long-term human legacy on a tropical forest in Belize. The context ranges from initial peopling of the region in the Late Pleistocene, through agricultural adoption, the rise and fall of an ancient Maya centre, and the subsequent 1000 years of forest succession.

You will have a strong palaeoecology background to contribute to understanding changing human-environment-climate dynamics since the Late Pleistocene to today. Palaeoecological laboratory training (especially pollen) and statistical analytical skills are highly desirable. You will be responsible for writing up research for publication, liaising with the wider international project team, and presenting research at international and project meetings.

About you

You will:

• be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies
• possess a relevant PhD (or nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study
• able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes
• be able to process, identify, graph, and interpret pollen (preferably from Neotropical contexts), and have an understanding of forest ecology

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning heart of Devon

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

We are committed to ensuring reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community.

With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 150 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN and Project Juno for Physics), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer.

We are proud signatories of the Armed Forces Covenant and welcome applications from service people.

Further information

Please contact Mark Robinson, [email protected]