We are looking for a researcher with experience in species distribution modeling and biodiversity assessment to join Dr. Martin Wilkes’ research group, which specializes in informing freshwater biodiversity policy through ecological modelling.

Following an unprecedented decision by the Colombian Special Judiciary for Peace to recognize the Cauca River as a casualty of war, the Faculty of Life Sciences is collaborating with rights of nature lawyers to develop a framework for determining war reparations for the river’s ecosystem. The project, funded by the British Academy, will combine legal scholarship and biodiversity modeling to develop concrete plans for the restoration of the Cauca River system, as well as creating a blueprint to enhance understanding of how rights of nature can be operationalized in the future.

In this role, you will develop and apply species distribution models to fish and invertebrates in the river basin, conduct trend attribution analysis linking biodiversity changes to the impacts of armed conflict, and contribute to a multidisciplinary expert report to the Colombian Special Jurisdiction for Peace. You will process and analyze historical biodiversity data, work with remote sensing data to assess watershed history, and present findings to legal teams, stakeholders and local officials.

The School of Life Sciences (University of Essex) provides access to a high-performance computer cluster and extensive research facilities that support cutting-edge environmental research.

The successful candidate will have a relevant PhD in ecology, environmental science, freshwater biology or related subjects or equivalent professional experience. You should have proficiency in statistical programming using R, experience working with large environmental datasets, and knowledge of freshwater ecosystem dynamics and restoration principles.

You will have the ability and desire to complement and enhance the School’s teaching and research strengths and planned areas of development. Strong communication skills, both written and oral, and the ability to translate complex scientific findings to non-scientific audiences are essential for this publication. Fluency in Spanish is also desirable.

Please use the ‘Apply’ button to read more information about this role including the full job description and person specification outlining the full duties, skills, qualifications and experience needed for this role. You will also find details on how to submit your application here.

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