Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to the NERC funded project ‘Delivering a Climate Resilient City through City-University Partnership: Glasgow as a Living Lab Accelerating Novel Transformation (GALLANT): https://www.gla.ac.uk/research/az/sustainablesolutions/ourprojects/gallant/ . This post will be based in Work Package 2 ‘Biodiversity and societal benefits of ‘natural’ urban habitats: Nature-based Solutions in an integrated urban-habitats network’ working with Dr Dominic McCafferty dominic.mccafferty@glasgow.ac.uk, Dr Davide Dominoni davide.dominoni@glasgow.ac.uk and Dr Arne Jacobs arne.jacobs@glasgow.ac.uk

Glasgow holds a nationally important population of water voles that are found across a network of grassland sites within the city. The last systematic survey of this population was in 2014 and we now require an updated assessment of their distribution to inform their management and conservation. You will be responsible for determining grassland habitat networks for water voles and use non-invasive hair sampling methods to sample the genetic structure of the population. The candidate will take responsibility for selecting survey sites using GIS, undertaking sign surveys and mapping habitat and distribution across study area. You will be expected to implement hair trapping methods for non-invasive genetic sampling and undertake DNA extraction and genetic analysis. This work will contribute to the Conservation Action Plan for Water Voles in NE Glasgow and engage with local stakeholders and conservation volunteers.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.        Apply GIS approaches to design sign surveys of water voles (Arvicola amphibius) across their distribution in NE Glasgow.

2.        Undertake field surveys to determine presence of water voles, in dry grassland and riparian habitats and use non-invasive hair sampling to collect genetic samples.

3.        Extract DNA from hair using appropriate methods for degraded and low-concentration of DNA within samples.

4.        Work with ecological geneticists and use landscape genetics approaches to determine population structure, dispersal distances and barriers to gene flow that will inform development of grassland networks for water voles and associated biodiversity.

5.        Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, and writing journal articles for publication.

6.        Contribute to the Conservation Action Plan for water voles in NE Glasgow, to support establishment of habitat corridors and inform planning decisions.

7.        Engage with local stakeholders and conservation volunteers to aid with surveys/field sampling.

8.        Manage data effectively and deposit data with the GALLANT datahub and NERC Environmental Data Service.

9.        Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

10.    Presentation of work to project partners, at international or national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

11.    Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the GALLANT project and the wider community (e.g., conservation partners).

12.    Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and research group activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the Institute.

13.    Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

14.    Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

15.    Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

16.    Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Director of Research Institute.

17.    Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Qualifications

A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential:

C1 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of vertebrate ecology

C2 Skilled in the use of GIS for mapping and spatial analysis of ecological data

C3 Skilled in DNA extraction and genetic techniques

C4 Proven ability to undertake fieldwork.

C5 Knowledge and expertise in the statistical analyses of ecological and/or genetic data

C6 Ability to write up work for publication in leading scientific journals, as demonstrated by previously published research papers

C7 Record of managing and delivering high quality scientific outputs in a timely and efficient manner

Desirable

D1 Knowledge and skills in landscape genetics

D2 Detailed knowledge and understanding of urban ecology and/or mammal ecology

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience in ecology and/or ecological genetics appropriate to an early career researcher

E2 Experience of undertaking a range of appropriate field survey methods

E3 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and analysis of research and drafting of papers.

E4 A track-record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences

E5 Experience in undertaking independent research

Desirable:

F1 Experience undertaking landscape or ecological genetic analysis

F2 Undertaking public engagement or citizen science activities

Dimensions

*      To carry out a range of research activities and functions within academic environments of the highest national or international quality.

*      Informal supervision and support of less experienced members of the project team e.g. postgraduate and project students.

*      Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.

*      Leadership in the design and implementation in your specific research project(s) as appropriate.

Work Package Details

WP2 Biodiversity: Biodiversity and societal benefits of ‘natural’ urban habitats: Nature-based Solutions in an integrated urban-habitats network

Nature areas in cities offer multiple co-benefits, but we require a step-change to halt biodiversity loss by connecting nature across rural and urban spaces. WP2 addresses climate and biodiversity challenges in expanding urban areas by collaborating with other WPs to develop an integrated socio-ecological and network approach in the Glasgow City Region. WP2 will increase co-benefits of biodiversity action plans connecting with net-zero ambitions, active travel, health and wellbeing and flood risk, and aims to make NbS an integral part of urban planning.

WP2.Objective 2 will assess biodiversity and habitats connectivity using global meta-analysis of the effects of green-blue habitat and corridor designs on urban biodiversity to evaluate optimum habitat connectivity modelling approach. Intensive data gathering for key taxa, e.g., insects (pollinators), birds, mammals, and invasive species will maximise species records alongside: (i) new surveys of under-represented species/areas, (ii) a major citizen initiative with WS2 to gather biodiversity data, (iii) deploy the latest technology to track species across habitats and (iv) undertake extensive data mining from local and national databases and from partners (e.g., NatureScot, RSPB). GIS, remote sensing data and NVC habitat surveys will be used to generate high resolution environmental data layers for habitat maps. We will develop habitat suitability models to determine the potential distribution of each focal animal/plant. Habitat suitability models will be integrated with connectivity modelling to optimise where creation of green corridors will benefit biodiversity.

Additional Information

Our School is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. Our Athena Swan Silver award demonstrates our commitment to best practice in recruiting and supporting the career development and progression of female scientists, addressing gender inequalities in higher education.  The Athena SWAN Charter recognises commitment to advancing gender equality in Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths and Medicine (STEMM) employment in academia. https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/bohvm/athenaswan/

The College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences (MVLS) has 8 Schools that bring staff together around thematic strengths, across the strategic pillars of education, research and innovation.  More information on the College can be accessed here: MVLS College Futures 2033

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Dominic McCafferty Dominic.McCafferty@glasgow.ac.uk 

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This position is full time and has funding until 31 January 2027. 

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing Date: 20 January 2026 at 23:45