Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

Full‑time, fixed‑term post (01 Oct 2026 – 31 Aug 2028) funded by the European Commission and UK Research and Innovation.

Salary: £43,482+ based on knowledge, skills and experience (Grade

F).

Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy. The successful applicant will contribute to the NATALIE project by developing AI algorithms that integrate data from various sources to better understand, predict and control the performance of Nature Based Solutions (NBS) across a range of hydro‑climatic events and conditions. A key outcome will be deploying these algorithms to identify feasibility, spatial placement and configuration of NBS and evaluate their performances from a decision‑support context.

The applicant will ensure AI and machine learning technologies are well communicated and robust to ensure data quality and trustworthy application. This contextualisation will enable small‑data AI to apply explainable algorithms for understanding physical interrelations between regional impacts and NBS implementation.

The post will be responsible for delivering research outputs, including new algorithms, methodological analyses, NBS analysis and decision‑support tools. The candidate will provide internal communication via weekly reports, technical summaries and meetings, and external communication through conferences and scientific articles.

• Develop new AI algorithms that integrate diverse data sources for NBS optimisation.
• Analyse methodological decisions and evaluate NBS performance.
• Implement decision‑support tools for spatial placement and configuration of NBS.
• Communicate results internally (weekly reports, technical summaries, meetings) and externally (conferences, scientific articles).
• Ensure data quality and maintain trustworthy AI and machine‑learning applications.

• PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field.
• Nationally recognised authority in relevant areas with specialist knowledge to develop research programmes and methodologies.
• Strong ability to work collaboratively, supervise others and act as team leader as required.
• Expertise in AI/machine learning applied to environmental or related disciplines.

• Freedom and support to pursue intellectual interests across disciplines.
• Support teams aligned with university teaching goals.
• Specialist support for external engagement and development within the Innovation, Impact and Business directorate.
• Academic initiative for career development.
• Sector‑leading staff benefits including maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay) and a fertility treatment policy.
• Beautiful campus in Devon/Cornwall.