Post Doctoral Research Associate (Earth Observation) - (8010)

An exciting opportunity has become available to work on a Horizon Europe funded research project. PALUS DEMOS is a €10 million project that will create large-scale demonstration sites for paludiculture across three European countries (IRL, NL, UK) to explore new agricultural business models, develop markets for paludiculture products, increase employment, and enhance biodiversity and water quality, aligning with the European Green Deal. Paludiculture is a form of wet agriculture that integrates the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from drained peatlands through water-table management and continued agricultural land use and biomass production in wetlands. Palus Demos aims to show how paludiculture can preserve peat soils, provide economic opportunities and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The main purpose of this role is to develop machine learning models to link on-the-ground data with satellite imagery to identify landscape-scale identification of opportunities to reduce GHG emissions and validate the effectiveness of changes in land management aimed at reducing emissions. The models will provide data to underpin carbon offsetting schemes and subsidies that reward rewetting of peat. 

Qualifications we require:

• PhD in GIS, remote sensing or closely related subject.
• Masters degree in GIS or a closely related subject.

Application requirements:

• Extensive experience in GIS and remote sensing, including creation and manipulation of vegetation and other indices to classify and analyse habitats.
• Experience of linking natural infrastructure with ecosystem services and habitats through geospatial technologies.
• Experience of developing indices that link on-the-ground changes with EO imagery e.g. NDMI, NDWI and water table.
• A strong knowledge of Python and R programming languages.
• Experience of report writing and publishing scientific research.

Personal attributes:

• Ability to collect, organise and synthesise complex data from different sources.
• Ability to develop transferable modelling methodologies for use by project partners.
• Communication of findings succinctly via oral presentations and written reports and scientific articles.

For an informal discussion, please contact Dr Chris Field (c.field@mmu.ac.uk).

Apply by submitting a CV and covering letter detailing how you meet the criteria for the role.

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from local and international communities, particularly those from Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.