Post Doctoral Post

Job Description

Job title: Post Doctoral Research Officer

Department: Biology

Responsible to: Dr Professor Tamas Szekely

Location: 4S 1.07

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.To assist the LIFE+ project in the development of effective population monitoring and to research methods of improving survival and reproduction of the reintroduced great bustard population on Salisbury Plain and surrounding areas.

2.To carry out a programme of research and monitoring involving the following:

  • Surveying and monitoring the number and distribution of reintroduced bustards in the field at least one day per week on site, and using telemetric devices.
  • An assessment of habitat quality, food supply and predator abundance on Salisbury Plain and surrounding areas.
  • Modelling habitat suitability and distribution of bustards using remotely-sensed data
  • Designing improved release and post-release techniques
  • Assisting the Great Bustard Group, RSPB and Natural England in executing the LIFE+ project’s objectives.

3. To write quarterly reports, prepare research papers for publication and give presentations (talks and/or posters) both internally and externally as appropriate for the development of the project.

4. To assist the Research Supervisor in the training and supervision of graduate and undergraduate project students.

5. To communicate effectively with LIFE+ partners and develop an effective working relationship with conservation scientists at RSPB and Natural England.

6. To undertake other duties commensurate with the post as requested by the Research Supervisor and the LIFE+ partners.

Post Doctoral Post

Person Specification

Criteria / Essential / Desirable / Assessed by
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Qualifications
PhD or equivalent in conservation biology
Post doctoral experience. / √ / √ / √
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Expertise/Knowledge
Experience in analyses of spatial and behavioural data.
Experience in field ecology
Evidence of understanding key concepts in population ecology and conservation.
Experience of demography and survival analyses / √
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Skills
Good organisational ability.
Ability to work well within a team in an interdisciplinary project.
Excellent presentation and communication skills (e.g. in presenting research results).
Computational skills (word processing, data handling).
Ability to assist in the training and management of research students.
Experience of liaising with conservationists and potential end users of research. / √
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Attributes
Developing research record (through high-impact publications and research presentations).
Ability to interact proactively with a range of research groups and NGOs in a multidisciplinary environment. / √
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Code: A/F – Application form, I – Interview, T - Test