Now is a very exciting time to be joining us because we are delivering a new "Towards 2030" strategic plan focused on making the most of our three most valuable assets; People, Place and Partnerships, to become a catalyst for economic well-being for our region, nationally and internationally. 

The University of Cumbria is seeking a dynamic and highly motivated individual to join the Institute of Science and Environment as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow, supporting the delivery of a grant awarded to Professor Robert A. Montgomery assessing biodiversity measurement strategies at global critical mineral mine sites. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an internationally significant programme within the university. The selected candidate will work within the research teams of Professor Robert Montgomery and Professor Simon Carr and will have collaboration with the broader Innovation for Conservation (ICON) team assessing the implications of human-predator-prey interactions in East Africa and the Peatland Intelligence Programme evaluating peatland sites in the Lake District and beyond. Specifically, this project involves evaluation of end-to-end biodiversity measurement and monitoring solutions to be deployed across global biomes at a diversity of critical mineral mine sites.

This role is based on-site at our Ambleside campus due to the practical nature of the work. Ambleside campus lies in the Heart of the Lake District National Park which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering incredible practical and fieldwork opportunities on our doorstep. It is expected that the selected candidate will carry out research on emergent technological sensors for floral and faunal detection from a diversity of platforms (e.g., ground stations, unmanned aerial vehicles, fixed wing aircraft, as well as satellite imagery). It is also expected that the post holder will advise on- and develop- models capable of predicting biodiversity from these sensors. This will include fitting models of various indices describing biodiversity. The candidate should have demonstrable experience of biodiversity measurement and will preferably have exposure to biodiversity measurement challenges at critical mineral mine sites.

There will be the expectation of field work both locally in Lake District National Park and internationally to facilitate this research. The post-holder will work closely with other empirically-focused post-docs, a team of researchers in the field, and broader collaborators.

The selected candidate will have a PhD, or be close to finishing a PhD, in biodiversity, conservation science, animal behaviour, quantitative ecology, or equivalent. 

Informal Enquiries: Prof. Robert A. Montgomery | Professor of Conservation Science | Director of the Centre for National Parks and Protected Areas | Director of Research and Knowledge Exchange | Institute of Science and Environment | T: 44 (0)7971 313426 | E: robert.montgomery@cumbria.ac.uk

We are seeking innovative, creative, high quality researchers, and scholars to foster a culture of exploration, discovery and intellectual challenge that generates international recognition, respect and engagement.

In return, the University offers an attractive benefits package including 35 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, support for professional development, mentor provision in the first year of employment and opportunity for career development.

For more information about the University of Cumbria, click here. 

Closing Date: 28 Sep 2026

Sub Section: Research

Salary: £38,784 with incremental progression to £43,482