Job Description

The Post

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to work with Professor Jens-Arne Subke and Professor Graham Ferrier. This post is full time, until the end of July 2027, with the possibility of extension, subject to additional funding. The post will be based in Stirling in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences. The successful appointee will be centrally involved in the delivery of the UK Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) project entitled "RESPECT". This is a collaborative project involving Professor Jill Robbie (lead), Professor Nicki Whitehouse, Professor Deborah Dixon, Professor Larissa Naylor, Professor Nick Hanley, Dr Adrian Bass, Dr Jiren Xu (all at Glasgow); Dr Amy Proctor (University of Newcastle) and Dr Jane Bunting (University of Hull) as well as collaborations with a wide range of project partners from England and Scotland.



The aim of the overall RESPECT project is to produce data, methods, landholder tools and proposals for governance reforms to change agricultural practices on peatland and contribute to the UK's net zero target. RESPECT will achieve this by collating data through novel interdisciplinary collection, modelling and engagement methods. These data will establish the capacity of land and land users to contribute to the net zero target as well as generate other social and environmental co-benefits, balanced against conflicting land use demands, within the context of climate change. Governance reforms will be proposed to scaffold the social innovations necessary for transformative change. Outputs will be scalable and replicable with national significance. Informed by this baseline data, RESPECT will produce the Peatland Triage Tool (PTT), providing decision-support for landowners, land managers, farmers and crofters (collectively 'landholders') seeking to undertake peatland restoration.



The successful applicant will be responsible for the design, development, and implementation of the PTT involving all the geospatial, database and data encapsulation frameworks. The role will involve working with large, highly diverse and multi-modal datasets (e.g., images, surveys, statistical and sensor data). Familiarity with geostatistical, GDAL, Python, PostGIS/PostgresSQL, Machine Learning, AI, Internet of Things and Remote Sensing datasets is highly desirable. The candidate will be expected to contribute to experimental design, evaluation using benchmark datasets, and the development of reproducible and scalable solutions. A flexible and creative approach to problem-solving is essential, as key datasets may span a range of domains including environmental monitoring, social science and agricultural systems.



This project is funded by UK Research and Innovation (UKRI). Tackling the project's aims is through close collaboration with collaborators in the UK. The post holder will be based in Stirling but will have opportunities to meet with the other project PDRAs and research team on a regular basis.



Please contact Professor Graham Ferrier (g.ferrier@hull.ac.uk) and/or Prof. Jens-Arne Subke (jens-arne.subke@stir.ac.uk) with any enquiries

Description of Duties

The postdoctoral appointee will be central to the project team and will work with the Principal and Co-Investigators, and Project Partners, to produce the scientific (datasets, research papers and reports, and conference/workshop presentations) and the societal impact deliverables. The successful candidate will be mentored to develop personal scientific skills and has access to training opportunities at the Universities of Stirling and Glasgow. The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will also be encouraged to contribute to internal teaching programmes and technical workshops and conferences as appropriate. The task of developing an effective Tool will be supported by additional staff resource to ensure that both the desktop and app versions are useful and accessible.

Description of Duties

Design, develop and implement the Peatland Triage Tool Communicate effectively with all external project partners in the UK Collect, synthesise and statistically evaluate data from all the WPs relevant to project goals Lead the interaction between project partners in developing functionality of PTT Lead production of a number of high-impact publications from the project

Key responsibilities:

To conduct individual and collaborative research under the direction of the line manager To design and develop novel and cutting-edge machine learning, geospatial, AI, reasoning and decision-making capabilities for tasks such as domain expert knowledge encapsulation To contribute to the development and integration of AI models in real-world systems with a geospatial component To develop the PTT using GDAL, Python, PostGIS/PostgresSQL, React or Angular, and/or Leaflet/Mapbox Use Angular or React and Javascript to develop the web mapping/user interface Use of Dockers and Kubernetes for deployment of the tool To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses

Essential Criteria

PhD in a relevant environmental/ecological science or Computer Science or a relevant numerate discipline Experience in software development using GDAL, Python, PostGIS/PostgresSQL, React or Angular, and/or Leaflet/Mapbox Excellent communication skills [oral and written], including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach

Desirable Criteria

Experience in the processing and analysis of spatial datasets and the development of digital environmental systems with spatial component Experience of working with non-academic stakeholders Experience working in interdisciplinary research teams

Additional Information

Full time

Fixed term until 31 July 2027


The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 19 November 2025.



There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.


For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible depending on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.



The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change

Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively

Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context

Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others

Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together

Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.



The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.



We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.



Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).



Alongside partners, the University spearheads the 214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal - which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk

Job Reference: FAC02077