Postdoctoral Research Associate - Global Biodiversity Change in the Anthropocene

Role Description

Research Centre and Department

The Leverhulme Centre for Anthropocene Biodiversity (LCAB) is a collaborative research centre of academics, researchers and postgraduates from a wide range of disciplines. We are funded by the Leverhulme Trust to increase knowledge of how the relationship between humanity and the natural world is changing, and how we might maintain and develop a sustainable Earth and chart a positive future. LCAB recognises biological gains as well as losses, and identifies the circumstances under which changes are perceived as positive or negative, with the aim of understanding and informing society’s response.

This position is available full time for 3 years. It is linked to the Department of Biology and the postholder will be mentored by Jack Hatfield (Biology; line manager) a newly appointed research fellow, supporting his research program investigating the extent to which ecological communities are becoming more similar to each other linking the species and assemblage levels

Role

We are seeking a post-doctoral research associate with the knowledge and analytical skills to contribute to the production of a new framework for global beta-diversity change. This specific project focuses on how global change drivers (for example land-use change and pollution) influence beta-diversity change via their net effects on individual species contributions. This includes the collation of datasets on global change drivers and species assemblage data with both spatial and temporal replication. 

The key responsibilities include:

• To plan, coordinate, develop and undertake world-leading individual and collaborative research in the area of biodiversity change and specifically beta-diversity, write up research findings and contribute to the production of research outputs.

• To collaborate with, and advise, other researchers to increase the effectiveness of interdisciplinary research in the Centre and develop proposals for future research.

• To develop understanding of Global biodiversity change in the Anthropocene.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• PhD (awarded or submitted) in an appropriate subject area.

• Knowledge of ecology and global change, including a range of relevant research methodologies relating to the statistical modelling of complex data and expertise in an area which complements LCAB's research programmes.

• High competence in the analysis of large ecological and global change datasets.

• Ability to write up research for publication in high profile journals, along with excellent communication skills and competency in presenting work at conferences/other appropriate events.

• Ability to develop, with the assistance of a mentor, research objectives, projects and proposals.

• Experience of and capacity to carry out independent and collaborative research.

• Interest and enthusiasm for the project area, collaborative ethos and capacity and willingness to work proactively with colleagues.

Interview date: June 2026.  The post must commence by 30th Sept 2026. 

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Jack Hatfield (jack.hatfield@york.ac.uk) 

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.