Welsh Government Research Fellowship: Soil Functions Map for Wales

Deadline for receipt of applications: 2nd September 2024 @ 16:00hrs (BST)

The Welsh Government Soil, Peatland and Agricultural Land Use Policy Team is seeking to recruit a Research Fellow to work with the team to develop a project specification for the development of a Soil Functions Map of Wales. The Welsh Government would welcome applications from candidates who meet the required skill set including early career researchers who have recently completed PhD/ postgraduate and non-academics.

The map will allow specialists and non-specialists to understand and quantify the impact of land use and policy decisions on a range of soil functions. Soil is a vital but finite resource that sustains life and provides crucial ecosystem functions to society. These functions include food, fibre, water and important contributions to climate regulation, biodiversity and protection from natural disasters. Where there are competing and conflicting demands on our soils and land use, it is important that any potential trade-off of soil functions is considered in the balance of decisions. This is key to meet the requirement of the sustainable management of our natural resources (SMNR).

We are looking for an experienced researcher with substantial expertise in creating, interpreting and using environmental spatial data, and a good understanding of soil functions, to develop the project specification. The successful research fellowship candidate will have previous experience in this area (nationally / internationally) and excellent project development and management skills, be proficient in using GIS, and able to appreciate different user needs and how to present complex information for diverse audiences (policy makers, general public and academics). Previous experience of project management is essential. Following development of the specification and completion of this Fellowship placement, an indicative procurement budget for the development of the map is expected to be £90,000. The Fellowship will inform whether the budget estimate requires revision.

The 6 month, part-time, post (with a possibility of a 6 month extension) will be funded by Welsh Government via a contract with the host university and subject to agreement of project costings submitted by the applicant.

For further details about the role and the application process please download the following document: