Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ecology and Environmental Data Science

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Ecology and Environmental Data Science

Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery, Environmental Change Institute, School of Geography and the Environment, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QY

The Leverhulme Centre for Nature Recovery is seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to work on ecological responses to environmental and land‑use disturbance across agroforestry landscapes. Reporting to Professor Yadvinder Malhi, the postholder will contribute to research investigating how mammalian functional diversity and ecosystem energy flows change across disturbance gradients in human‑modified ecosystems.

The project combines large‑scale camera trap datasets with quantitative ecological analysis to examine biodiversity, ecosystem functioning, and productivity across contrasting landscapes. The successful candidate will contribute to image processing, functional trait analysis, statistical modelling, and the estimation of energetic flows within ecological communities, helping to identify ecological responses that are not captured by conventional biodiversity metrics.

We are seeking a candidate who holds, or is close to completion of, a PhD/DPhil in ecology, environmental science, geography, conservation science, data science, or a related discipline. You should have experience working with ecological or environmental datasets, strong quantitative and analytical skills, and familiarity with computational or AI‑assisted analytical tools. The ability to contribute to collaborative research, publications, and wider academic activities is essential.

The role offers the opportunity to work within an interdisciplinary research environment focused on nature recovery, biodiversity, and ecosystem resilience.

This post is fixed term for 12 months from start date and offered on a full‑time basis (1 FTE / 37.5 hours).

• 38 days annual leave
• A comprehensive range of childcare services
• Family leave schemes
• Discounted bus travel and Season Ticket travel loans

You will be required to upload a covering letter with a supporting statement, CV and the details of two referees as part of your online application. In your supporting statement, please explain how you meet each of the selection criteria found in the job description, and why you would like to do this role. Guidance is available at

The closing date for applications is 12:00 noon (UK time) on 19 June 2026. Only applications submitted by this time will be considered.

The University of Oxford and The School of Geography and the Environment are Silver Athena SWAN holders. Applications are particularly welcome and encouraged from women, black and minority ethnic candidates, and candidates with disabilities, all of whom are under‑represented in posts in The School of Geography and the Environment. The School of Geography and the Environment are committed to equality and values diversity.