Post-doctoral Research Fellow - AR3119LS

Start Date: As soon as possible.

Fixed Term: for 2 Years with a possibility to extend.

Applications are sought for a Post-doctoral Research Fellow/Project Manager to work with Professor Christian Rutz FRSE (PI) on the launch of the Urban Exploration Project, supported by funding from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation. The Urban Exploration Project is a collaborative initiative developed in close partnership with the National Geographic Society. It combines the powers of inclusive community building, cutting-edge technology, local empowerment, education and storytelling, to forge innovative pathways towards sustainable human–wildlife coexistence in the world’s unprotected areas, complementing the established 30x30 Initiative. Specifically, the project aims to produce a holistic understanding of animal behaviour in human-modified landscapes, by building a global network of ~250 field teams over ~10 years, to track ~10,000 animals across gradients of urbanisation worldwide. This major collaborative effort will fill critical evidence gaps on human–wildlife interactions, enabling innovative, context-appropriate and scalable approaches to environmental planning, conservation management, and policy making. This is an exciting opportunity for candidates interested in movement ecology, animal tracking, conservation and sustainability science, environmental planning, human–wildlife coexistence, project management and/or consortium-style, big-data research. The post’s primary duties are to provide assistance with pilot research activities and project management. The work requires a high degree of self-motivation and independence, effective communication and teamwork, meticulous data handling and record keeping, and excellent organisational, time-management and practical problem-solving skills.

The successful applicant will hold (or be near to completing) a PhD in a relevant subject area, and will have relevant research and work expertise (as detailed in the Further Particulars), with an excellent track-record of achievement.

The post is available for 24 months in the first instance, starting as soon as possible, with the possibility of an extension.

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits including:

• Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays
• Financial contribution to relocation
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme
• A range of wellbeing initiatives including membership of Peppy , a health application that connects staff to expert practitioners and personalized support on health matters

Informal enquiries (with CV) can be addressed via email to Professor Christian Rutz FRSE (christian.rutz@st-andrews.ac.uk), but all applications must be submitted via the University’s vacancies site.

Applications are particularly welcome from people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented in research posts at the University.  

Closing Date: 9 May 2025                                              

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Please quote ref: AR3119LS                     

Further Particulars: AR3119LSFPs.pdf