Website University College London
About us
The Global Biodiversity Change research group (https://timnewbold.github.io/), led by Professor Tim Newbold, undertakes cutting-edge research into changes in global biodiversity driven by land-use change and climate change, and the consequences of biodiversity changes for ecosystems and human societies. Our research involves combining large-scale databases of biodiversity with advanced statistical data analysis and simulation modelling. Our research group strives for excellence in science, while at the same time providing an inclusive environment that places a very high priority on staff wellbeing and belonging (https://bit.ly/GBCGroupPrinciples). Our research group sits within the Centre for Biodiversity & Environment Research, a world-leading centre focused on understanding biodiversity change and its consequences, and understanding the limits to species’ adaptation to environmental changes. The centre is part of the wider Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment and the Division of Biosciences at UCL, which consist of hundreds of leading academic researchers working across the life sciences. The Division of Biosciences at UCL is one of the world’s foremost centres for research and teaching in the biological sciences. We have an outstanding international reputation and a community of over 500 staff and more than 300 PhD students engaged in cutting edge research and collaboration.
Further information can be found on our website https://www.ucl.ac.uk/biosciences
About the role
This post-doctoral position, funded by a grant from the UKRI Natural Environment Research Council, will involve investigation of the impact of interactive effects of climate change and land use on the biodiversity of invertebrate and vertebrate animals globally, using advanced statistical analysis based on existing and new collations of biodiversity data. It will also involve the development of future projections of biodiversity change using simulation models of species’ range shift. Research will be written up as scientific papers and presented at national and international conferences. The role will also involve a small amount of assisting with the administration of the project, such as helping to organize project meetings and fulfilling annual project reporting requirements. The project to which this position contributes is a collaboration between UCL, the University of Northumbria and Durham University.
- This is a fixed-term role from 1st September 2026 until 3rd November 2028, in the first instance.
- Appointment at Grade 7 is dependent upon having been awarded a PhD; if this is not the case, initial appointment will be at Grade 6B (salary £38,357 – £41,005 per annum) with payment at Grade 7 being backdated to the date of final submission of the PhD Thesis.
- We will consider applications to work on a part-time, flexible and job share basis wherever possible.
- This role is eligible for hybrid working with a minimum of 80% on site.
- This appointment is subject to UCL Terms and Conditions of Service for Research and Professional Services Staff. Please visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/conditions-service-research-teaching-and-professional-services-stafffor more information.
A job description and person specification can be accessed at the bottom of this page.
If you have any queries about the role, please contact Tim Newbold (t.newbold@ucl.ac.uk).
If you need reasonable adjustments or a more accessible format to apply for this job online or have any queries about the application process, please contact the HR Administrator.
About you
The successful candidate will have experience of conducting robust scientific research in the fields of biodiversity or ecology more generally, and a track record of publishing scientific results in peer-reviewed journals. You must hold (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in biodiversity, ecology or a related field. You will have experience of statistical data analysis in R and the use of coding to automate analysis. You are also expected to have excellent communication skills, with evidence of oral presentation of scientific results at conferences or similar. You will need to be able to work independently as well as part of a small team of researchers, and to manage collaboration between the three institutions involved in the project.
What we offer
The UCL Ways of Working supports colleagues to be successful and happy at UCL through sharing expectations around how we work – please https://www.ucl.ac.uk/human-resources/policies-advice/ways-working to find out more.
As well as the exciting opportunities this role presents, we also offer some great benefits some of which are below:
- 41 Days holiday (27 days annual leave 8 bank holiday and 6 closure days)
- Additional 5 days’ annual leave purchase scheme
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loan
- Immigration loan
- Relocation scheme for certain posts
- On-Site nursery
- On-site gym
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted medical insurance
Visit https://www.ucl.ac.uk/work-at-ucl/reward-and-benefits to find out more.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
As London’s Global University, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation, and we want our community to represent the diversity of the world’s talent. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where we all belong.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in UCL’s workforce.
These include people from Black, Asian and ethnic minority backgrounds; disabled people; LGBTQI+ people; and for our Grade 9 and 10 roles, women.
Our division holds an Athena SWAN Silver award, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality.
You can read more about our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion here: https://www.ucl.ac.uk/equality-diversity-inclusion/
Available documents
Attached documents are available under links. Clicking a document link will initialize its download.
Want fewer missed deadlines?
Follow a channel you care about (Graduate → Post-PhD).