Researcher in mathematical modelling for environmental and agri-ecosystems

Exciting Opportunity:  Researcher in mathematical modelling for environmental and agri-ecosystems BioSS (Permanent Position)

Build a research career in mathematical modelling for environmental systems at BioSS.

The most pressing societal challenges of the first half of the 21st century, including disease and future pandemic threats, climate change, the biodiversity crisis, and building a restorative economy, are systems challenges. This post is an exciting opportunity to join our team, both developing mathematical models and applying tools for inference and uncertainty quantification, to address such challenges. You will have the opportunity to adapt and develop biogeochemical models to assess the effects of microbial community interactions on carbon cycling in lakes, as well as developing mathematical models for agri-ecological systems across Scotland.

The post is an excellent long-term career opportunity offering a stimulating route to build your research portfolio and technical expertise, and to develop skills in open science practice and inter-disciplinary working across application areas including ecology and agriculture. As part of NERC and ERC projects you will collaborate closely with applied scientists from other leading UK and European research institutions, as well as the SEFARI collective (sefari.scot/)).

You will have the chance to advance your career in a supportive environment at BioSS as we continue to grow as a UK centre of quantitative applied research.  We want to help you to build a personal portfolio of research, and to develop professionally over the long term, and will actively support you in these objectives.  BioSS is eligible to apply for UKRI funding, and we will be keen for the successful applicant to contribute to and ultimately lead proposals. This is a permanent post based at BioSS in Edinburgh, with flexibility to work from other BioSS locations in Dundee or Aberdeen, or remotely from home.

BioSS is formally part of The James Hutton Institute.

More information about BioSS including details of this and other vacancies can be found via https://www.bioss.ac.uk/vacancies

Potential applicants may contact Dr. Helen Kettle () to discuss this post.

Main Purpose of Job

• Develop personal research in mathematical modelling for environmental/agri-ecosystems
• Contribute to NERC and ERC projects on modelling carbon cycling in lakes
• Contribute to the development of the BioSS Open Science agenda

Main Duties of Postholder

• To develop area of personal research in mathematical modelling
• Contribute to NERC and ERC projects on modelling carbon cycling in lakes
• Make or support applications for external funding (e.g. UKRI) and deliver projects
• Contribute to development of the BioSS open science agenda by developing and disseminating best practice

Person Specification

Education/Experience/Skills

Essential

• PhD (or MSc with compensatory experience) in a quantitative discipline with substantial mathematical and computational components. Suitable candidates in the final stages of a PhD programme may also qualify.

• Experience of methodological research and/or development and scientific collaborations in mathematical modelling
• Good programming ability to handle large data sets and develop and deploy scientific computational algorithms
• Programming skills in at least one of: Fortran, R, C/C++, Python, or equivalent
• Experience of platforms such as Github or GitLab or a demonstrable ability and enthusiasm to learn how to use them
• Evidence of ability to interact positively, effectively and confidently with collaborators in formal and informal situations
• Ability to work independently
• Excellent written communicator
• Willingness and ability to give verbal presentations presenting technical methods and results to non-quantitative audiences
• Experience in data management or demonstrable ability and enthusiasm to learn

Desirable

• Experience with using/developing biogeochemical models
• Experience with statistical inference/model fitting
• Experience of application of modern quantitative methods to areas relevant to SEFARI and the RESAS portfolio; experience in environmental/agri-ecosystems would be particularly desirable
• Evidence of engagement in using modern quantitative methods to address scientific problems
• Evidence of contribution to funding proposals
• Awareness or experience of Research Software Engineering as a professional activity

Other Skills

• N/A

Additional notes/Requirements

Available to start within reasonable timescale that allows project commitments to be met.

How to Apply

Applications should be made using the recruitment pages operated by our parent organization, The James Hutton Institute.

To apply, please create an account and upload personal details along with

• a CV, including as a minimum your education and employment history plus relevant scientific achievements.
• a covering letter/statement detailing why you consider yourself suitable for this post.

Closing date

25 November 2024

Interview date

Early December 2024

Other Notes

BioSS is a member of the SEFARI (Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutes) collective (https://sefari.scot/); we have an international reputation for research, consultancy and training in statistics, mathematical modelling and bioinformatics.  BioSS offers a stimulating working environment, with over 50 staff and students at 4 locations across Scotland.

At BioSS, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking, diverse and supportive team of over 50 staff and students working across multiple statistics and modelling disciplines, collaborating on applications in plant & crop science, animal health & welfare, environmental science & ecology, and human health & nutrition. We value collaboration, innovation, and the continuous development of our team members. We’ve been awarded Investors in People Gold Status, and we’re committed to promoting diversity and inclusion.

We encourage applications from underrepresented groups in STEM, particularly women, BAME and LGBTQ+ candidates.

We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies when sourcing candidates for this position. 

Benefits offered

• Employee Assistance Programme- A confidential service available to support employees and their families with work or personal problems.
• Annual Leave – Generous entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with guaranteed time-off for Christmas.
• Pension - Employer Contribution of 15% in a Personal Pension Plan and employee contribution flexibility.
• Self-managed hours and Flexible Working – options to structure your working time, in line with organisational needs, to create a healthy work life balance.

Additional Notes

Please note the minimum salary threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa is currently £38,700.00.  If the advertised salary for this posts falls below this threshold, we regret to advise that we may not be able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship to a non-UK citizen for this role.  Applicants who do not meet the conditions to be sponsored as per the UK governments page (https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa/when-you-can-be-paid-less) will need to demonstrate an alternative right to work.