Applications are invited for a 3-year research fellowship position in Global biodiversity in the Department of Natural Sciences at Manchester Met. The Department spans the discipline of Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science and Geography and is a thriving hub of interdisciplinary research focused on tackling global challenges associated with clean energy, environmental change and sustainability, species conservation, healthy ageing, and socioeconomic, cultural and political change. The Department ranked 5th for the real-world impact of our research in the Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences category of the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework review.
About the Project
This 3-year Fellowship in Global Biodiversity has been created to support existing internationally renowned biodiversity researchers in the Department of Natural Sciences. Specifically, it will explore the underlying drivers of the evolution of functional traits and their relevance to macro-ecology and conservation.
By joining us as a Research Fellow, you'll play a leading part in our global research offering and join our community, working collaboratively across multidisciplinary and diverse teams with state-of-the-art facilities and a supportive work environment.
You will benefit from a three-year development programme including:
- exceptional research environment and facilities to support your ambitions/research
- competitive salary, excellent pension and holiday entitlement, enhanced family leave and more
- access to a three-year development programme, which will be underpinned by the Leadership Lens on the Vitae Researcher Development Framework, a well-established sector-wide tool for the career and professional development of research leaders. This will include mentorship throughout the programme and access to coaching sessions
- diverse teams, colleagues and staff networks
We expect candidates to come with a vision for a research programme that complements research activity at Man Met, a summary of which can be found here. Outline ideas of no more than 2 pages must be included in your covering letter and will be discussed at interview, however the successful candidate will be able to refine their approach and focus with input from relevant researchers in the department.
During the term of the fellowship, you will be publishing internationally excellent and world-leading outputs and will be pursuing external funding opportunities to realise your future research ambitions. You will also have the opportunity, when relevant, to prepare and deliver short teaching courses.
Whilst this is initially a fixed term appointment the expectation is that this will transition to a permanent Senior Lecturer or Readership role, after three years, dependant on your performance and potential.
About the Role & Team
You will join a team of evolutionary biologists and ecologists and will be expected to become an active member of the Species Biology and Conservation group within our identified area of research strength in Biodiversity and Environmental Resilience, led by Dr Hannah Mossman. Staff with whom we expect you to work closely and able to provide support for your project and career development include:
- Dr Charlotte Brassey
- Dr Joachim Frommen
- Dr Robyn Grant
- Dr Alex Lees
- Prof Martin Sullivan
Their profiles should help you understand how their work might complement your ideas and project vision.
Key Responsibilities
The main purpose of this role is to lead in the development of quality research in the field of global biodiversity by preparing, conducting and recording the outcome of research, experiments and/or field work and analysing, interpreting, and disseminating findings to appropriate groups. This will involve leading the development of new areas in the field of species diversification, organismal traits and applied conservation and to promote the wider work of the team and institution.
Whilst the primary responsibility of the candidate is to deliver the research project agreed with the research team, some opportunities to contribute to teaching and enhance your practice will be available, although these will be limited to a maximum of 6 hours per week to enable you to primarily focus on your research project.
Key Skills & Experiences
You will have a PhD in a relevant discipline and some post-doctoral experience. Together these should enable you to demonstrate depth of global biodiversity knowledge and a track record of professional development. You will be proficient in the use of relevant software and data management techniques linked to your proposed project.
More generally, you should have experience of developing collaborative relationships and preparing funding applications to external bodies as well as publishing your own research.
To learn more about role and requirements, please read the Job Description provided below.
If you would like to join our people and share our ambition, we would love to hear from you!
Application & Assessment Process:
- To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter detailing your suitability and initial ideas for a project exploring the evolution of functional traits, on the application portal.
- For informal enquiries, about this vacancy, please contact Dr Hannah Mossman on [email protected]
- Please be aware that only applications including a cover letter may be considered at shortlisting stage.
- If successful at interview stage, you will be asked to do a 10-minute pre-recorded presentation on your Research or Education Innovation, prior to a second and final interview.
We believe in working together, sharing knowledge and valuing everyone's contributions. Develop your skills, further your knowledge and be part of a team who are transforming lives, every single day!
Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, including those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.
We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.
Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.
Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.
