Research Associate

The UK has vast stores of carbon locked up in upland peatlands. However, these peatlands are increasingly under threat from growing wildfire risks, with fires burning into the peat causing peat erosion, water pollution and the loss of the entire ecosystem (vegetation, biodiversity) and thus the ecosystem services (carbon storage and drinking water provision). This project, funded by the University of York’s Policy Engine (TYPE) programme, will provide a collaborative review, drawing on expertise including so far unpublished assessments of recent reports/studies. The assessment will especially consider the robustness of the evidence and previous reviews, based on assessing strengths and flaws in study statistical design, data analysis and methodology. The project’s summary outputs will contribute to the ongoing debate on how best to manage UK upland peatlands in a changing climate and ensure protecting their carbon stores and provisioning of ecosystem services related to water quality and biodiversity.

This role is predominantly focused on collating and assessing literature on the topic of heather management on peatlands. As part of a systematic review, the successful candidate will perform additional literature searches, using set criteria, to complement existing analyses and documents that outline strengths and weaknesses in the evidence base. 

The assessment will be supported by experts in their field but require an eye for detail and a critical mind. 

Although this role can be done remotely, the person would ideally be based in York to facilitate direct engagement and in person meetings.

Salary: £34,308 - £42,155 per year
Grade: Grade 6
Contract status: Fixed term
Hours of work: Full-time
Based at: University of York campus (with some remote working options available)
Apply by: 08/02/2023

Full details and how to apply here