Landscape Dynamics and Ecology

Location: Highfield Campus
Salary: £42,155 to £53,353 Per Annum
Full Time Permanent
Closing Date: Tuesday 11 April 2023
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Reference: 2183223WR

Lecturer in sedimentary ancient DNA

Post will be based in the School of Geography & Environmental Science within the Landscape Dynamics and Ecology research theme. In addition there will be opportunities to work with molecular focused colleagues in the School of Biological Sciences and School of Ocean and Earth Sciences.

The School of Geography & Environmental Science is now seeking to appoint a Lecturer focused on developing sedimentary ancient DNA (sedaDNA) research within the School. 

This appointment will support the strategic development of Southampton’s excellence in palaeoenvironmental research by moving it into the molecular era. Current palaeo research within the School is based on analyses of recent and ancient sediments (lakes, peats, soils, archaeological contexts) and focused across a range of areas, including past climate reconstruction, human-environmental interactions, ecosystem resilience (terrestrial/floral and aquatic), and biological resource use in archaeological settings. Increasingly research is focused on addressing current global challenges, including evolving needs for nature-based solutions to anthropogenic environmental problems, carbon (and biogeochemical) cycling, biodiversity, geographic and temporal tracking of invasive species, and locating cryptic species. We aim to recruit someone who works with sedaDNA to compliment and develop these and other research foci. 

We welcome applications from scholars with a PhD (or equivalent professional qualification and/or experience) whose research engages with disciplinary specialities such as (but not limited to) limnology, biogeochemistry, freshwater and/or terrestrial ecosystems, spatial ecology, global environmental change, palaeoclimatology and Quaternary research. Methodological approaches of particular relevance include molecular approaches whereby applicants have expertise in sedaDNA, or molecular expertise that could be applied to, or compliment, sedaDNA (e.g. eDNA, bioinformatics, molecular markers, biomarkers etc). We especially welcome applicants with an emerging track record of research excellence and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across (sub)disciplines. Teaching activities for this post will be at undergraduate and/or postgraduate-taught (MSc) level, conducted through lectures, tutorials, practicals, seminars, and/or fieldwork. Teaching responsibilities will involve co-teaching on core programme modules and/or field courses, with scope for developing new modules in specialist disciplinary areas. There is wide potential in these posts for developing and contributing innovative modes of teaching and learning. We welcome applications from scholars with an interest in, and/or previous experience with decolonising and diversifying curricula, as well as wider experiences of equality/justice work in STEM. Experience with undergraduate and/or postgraduate teaching is preferred, but training towards a Post-graduate Certificate in Academic Practice (PGCAP) qualification will be provided as appropriate. .

You should submit your completed online application form at https://jobs.soton.ac.uk. The application deadline will be midnight on the closing date stated above. If you need any assistance, please call Anjali Mavi (HR Recruitment Team) on +44 (0) 23 8059 4043 or email recruitment@soton.ac.uk  Please quote reference 2183223WR on all correspondence.