Faculty of Biological Sciences
Institute of Integrative and Comparative Biology
Research Fellow
(Full-time, fixed term for 36 months)
Project Title: Changes in European plant-pollinator communities
You will assess recent change in pollinator (bee,
hoverfly, butterfly) and wild plant communities
across Europe using existing databases. The work
will explore aspects of species diversity and
community ecology, focussing on patterns of
change in plant-pollinator communities, possible
linkage between changes in pollinator and plant
populations, functional diversity and species
traits, and some of the drivers of change. The
work will involve data gathering and statistical
analysis, to address (for example) biodiversity
change at different spatial scales, changes in
plant-pollinator networks, impact of loss of food
resources on pollinators and impact of pollinator
loss on pollination services for wild
plants. Extensive knowledge of statistical and
spatial analysis of large biodiversity databases
would be essential for this post; excellent
communication and good leadership skills are also
essential given the need to set-up collaborations
with various data-holders across Europe. The post
is part of the EU-FP7 STEP (Status and Trends in
European Pollinators) project, and so would
involve collaborations with an interdisciplinary
team of scientists from across Europe (and beyond).
You will have a first degree and PhD in
population or community ecology, spatial ecology
or a closely allied discipline and a strong
background in population and community ecology.
University Grade 7 (£29,853 - £35,646 p.a.)
Informal enquiries to Dr. Jacobus Biesmeijer,
<mailto:j.c.biesmei...@leeds.ac.uk>j.c.biesmei...@leeds.ac.uk,
tel +44 (0)113 343 2815 or Dr. William Kunin,
<mailto:w.e.ku...@leeds.ac.uk>w.e.ku...@leeds.ac.uk, tel +44 (0)113 343 2857
To download an application form and job details
please visit
<http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/jobs/>http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/jobs/.
Alternatively these may be obtained from the
Faculty HR Office, tel + 44 (0)113 343 2250,
email <mailto:fbsj...@leeds.ac.uk>fbsj...@leeds.ac.uk
Job ref 313348 Closing date 26 May 2010
Further Details
Reports to: Dr Jacobus Biesmeijer
Responsible to: Director of Institute of
Integrative and Comparative Biology
Background to the post
This post is part of an EU FP7 project STEP
(Status and Trends in European Pollinators),
which involves 21 partner organisations across
Europe. Within this project, the Leeds team is
responsible for coordinating the work package on
documenting the state of European pollinators and
animal-pollinated plants. This work package
includes work on population and community ecology
of (wild and managed) pollinators, functional
diversity and species traits, pollinator monitoring and conservation.
Summary of the research programme
The Leeds team will be involved in several areas
of the STEP research programme, but will have a
particularly key role in the following:
* Documenting change in wild pollinator
diversity at different scales and resolution.
* Documenting change in animal-pollinated
plants at different scales and resolution.
* Documenting simultaneous changes in the
distribution of pollinator and plant traits.
* Assessing local changes in pollinator and
plant biodiversity as a function of multiple drivers.
* Exploring automated identification methods
to support pollinator monitoring.
In addition, the Leeds team will play a key role
in other research within STEP, with particular involvement in the following:
* Developing pollinator monitoring protocols.
* Developing a Red Data Book for European bees.
* Assessing combined effects of climate, land
use, fragmentation, nitrogen deposition and pesticide pressure on pollinators.
* Synthesising current knowledge about
relevant environmental pressures on European
pollinators and animal-pollinated plants at the landscape scale.
* Assessing the impacts of pollinator shifts
on wild plant pollination and of plants shifts on pollinators.
Research environment
Two academic staff members at Leeds will be
involved in the STEP project: Koos Biesmeijer and
Bill Kunin. Koos Biesmeijer is a community
ecologist with particular interest in
plant-pollinator interactions and ecosystem
services. Bill Kunin is a spatial ecologist with
a particular interest in plant and insect
populations and their interactions at multiple
scales. Both have active research groups, with a
total of 10 postdoctoral fellows and PhD
students. They are members of the Genetics,
Ecology and Evolution research group (with 33
academic staff) within the Institute for Integrative and Comparative Biology.
Both also have extensive collaborations across
the University within the Earth and Biosphere
Institute (of which WEK is acting director) and
the mathb...@leeds group, and much more broadly
through the STEP project and other national and
international collaborative work.
Main Duties and Responsibilities of the Post
The Postdoctoral fellow in Ecology will be
expected to take a leading role in carrying out
this research agenda, with particular
responsibility for the statistical and spatial
data analysis aspects of the work. These include
locating and acquiring access to datasets from
different sources including national
organisations, amateur societies and taxonomists.
Statistical analysis and possibly method
development for analysis of entomological and
phyto-sociological data, Spatial modelling of
fine-scale impacts of multiple drivers on plant
and pollinator communities. In addition, the
fellow will be responsible for communicating the
Leeds contribution to STEP in reports and deliverables to the EU.
Beyond these specific tasks, you will be expected:
· To generate and pursue independent and
original research ideas in the appropriate subject area.
· To design and conduct a programme of
investigation in consultation with the principal investigator, as appropriate.
· To evaluate methods and techniques used
and results obtained by other researchers and to
relate such evaluations appropriately to their own work.
· To communicate or present research
results through publication or other recognised forms of output.
· To understand broader issues relating to the management of research.
· To take part in knowledge-transfer
activities, where appropriate and feasible.
· To contribute to the supervision of
junior researchers, as appropriate.
· To maintain own continuing professional
development and act as a mentor to less experienced colleagues, as appropriate.
· To maintain a safe work environment,
including ensuring compliance with legislation
and the undertaking of risk assessments.
· To undertake any other duties
commensurate with the post as requested by the
Director of Institute or nominee.
Career Expectations
The University of Leeds is committed to
developing its staff. All staff participate in
the Staff Review and Development scheme and we
continue to work with individuals supporting them to maximise their potential.
Progression to a higher grade is dependent on an
individual taking on an increased level of
responsibility. Vacancies that arise within the
area or across the wider University are
advertised on the HR website
-<http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/jobs/>http://hr.leeds.ac.uk/jobs/
- to allow staff to apply for wider career development opportunities.
Person specification
Essential attributes
· A first degree and PhD in population
or community ecology, spatial ecology or a closely allied discipline.
· A strong background in population and community ecology.
· Excellence in data analysis and statistics.
· Experience in pollinator and plant community ecology.
· Data management, analytical and computer skills.
· Proven ability to design, execute
and write up research work independently.
· Good organisational and time management skills.
· Good communication and a positive attitude to collaborative work.
· Good communication skills, including written.
· Good presentation skills.
· Ability to work to deadlines.
· Proven ability to work effectively
and responsibly without close supervision.
· Have the ability to deal with and prioritise varied tasks.
· Commitment to own continuous professional development.
Desirable attributes
· Good knowledge of GIS or other spatial analytical methods.
· Experience in database management and computer programming.
· Experience with data analysis in R.
· A creative mind and an ability to
develop novel approaches to problem-solving.
· Good teamwork and leadership skills,
especially in an international context
· Strong interests in spatial
ecological issues and conservation biology.
How to Apply
We encourage all applicants to e-mail their
completed application forms to us and to complete
the equal opportunities monitoring form on-line
as this is the most efficient and environmentally friendly option available.
Send Completed Applications to:
<mailto:fbsj...@leeds.ac.uk>fbsj...@leeds.ac.uk
By:
26 May 2010
Quoting Job Reference number:
313348
If you have any difficulties in e-mailing and
completing electronic versions of these forms, we
are very happy to receive printed copies by post
to Faculty HR Office, Room 7.14 Miall Building,
University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT.
Applications should include the following:
* A completed application form. If you wish
to download an application form allowing you to
e-mail your application back please visit
<http://www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/forms/index.htm#recruitment>http://www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/forms/index.htm#recruitment
* A Curriculum Vitae
* Equal Opportunities Monitoring form found online, please visit:
<http://tldynamic.leeds.ac.uk/equalopps/>http://tldynamic.leeds.ac.uk/equalopps/
Replies will be treated in complete confidence.
If you are selected for interview you can expect
to hear from the University not later than 4
weeks after the closing date. If you are not
selected for interview the University will not contact you again.
Right to work
Under Home Office UK Border Agency regulations,
employers who wish to appoint a worker from
overseas who do not already hold the right to
work in the UK under an immigration category
(other than those holding Tier 2 certificate
status) are required to demonstrate that they are
unable to recruit a resident
worker. Applications from candidates that
require Tier 2 immigration status to work in the
UK are welcome and will be considered alongside
all other applications. Non-EEA candidates may
not be appointed to a post if a suitably
qualified, experienced and skilled EU/EEA
candidate is available to take up the post as the
employing body is unlikely, in these
circumstances, to satisfy the Resident Labour
Market Test. For further information please visit
the Home office UK Border Office:
(<http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/>http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/)
A Criminal Records Disclosure is not required for
this position however applicants who have unspent
convictions must indicate this in section 9 of
the application form and must declare the nature
of the conviction to the Recruitment and Administrative Co-ordinator.
Disabled Applicants
The post is located in the Faculty of Biological
Sciences. Disabled applicants wishing to review
access to the building are invited to contact the
department direct. Additional information may be
sought from Disability Services, e-mail
<mailto:disabil...@leeds.ac.uk>disabil...@leeds.ac.uk
or tel + 44 (0)113 343 3927.
Disabled applicants are not obliged to inform
employers of their disability but will still be
covered by the Disability Discrimination Act once
their disability becomes known.
Data Protection
The information you provide in your application
will be used to consider your suitability for the
post for which you have applied. If your
application is not successful the information
will be disposed of confidentially after 9
months. If your application is successful and
you are appointed, your information and future
data will be processed in accordance with the
University's Data Protection Code of Practice. A
copy of this code can be obtained from either the
University's Human Resources Department or by visiting:
<http://www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/policy/index.htm>http://www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/policy/index.htm
Health and Safety Responsibilities
You are required to adhere to and comply with the
provisions of the Health and Safety at Work Act,
related Regulations, and act in accordance with
the Universitys Policy on Health and Safety which can be accessed via:
<http://www.leeds.ac.uk/safety>http://www.leeds.ac.uk/safety
In addition you are also required to co-operate
with regard to the implementation of the Health
and Safety arrangements and should not interfere
with or misuse anything provided in the interest
of Health, Safety and Welfare at Work.
For more information on the University and terms
and conditions of appointments please visit
<http://www.leeds.ac.uk/>http://www.leeds.ac.uk
To find out what its like to work at the
University of Leeds, view our DVD online at:
<http://www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/jobs/dvd.htm>http://www.leeds.ac.uk/hr/jobs/dvd.htm
One of the Universitys key strategic objectives
is to enhance our international performance and
standing. International applications for staff
vacancies are encouraged and valued. Information
for international staff moving to the UK can be found at:
<http://www.internationalstaff.ac.uk>http://www.internationalstaff.ac.uk
Equality and Diversity Statement
The University of Leeds is proud to be a
multi-cultural community. We value diversity, and are determined to ensure:
· that we treat all individuals fairly, with dignity and respect;
· that the opportunities we provide are open to all;
· that we provide a safe, supportive and
welcoming environment for staff, for students and for visitors.
We recognise that we still have work to do to
secure a truly inclusive community, and we are
committed to a wide-ranging plan of action to
tackle discrimination and to promote diversity.
The Equality and Diversity Statement forms part
of the Universitys Equality and Diversity
Policy, which applies to staff and students alike
and is available on the Universitys website at:
<http://www.equality.leeds.ac.uk/university-policies/>http://www.equality.leeds.ac.uk/university-policies/
The University has published the following
policies and codes of practice which are linked
to the Equality and Diversity policy. They are
also available on the Universitys website:
· The Race Equality Policy,
· The Disability Equality Scheme
· The Gender Equality Scheme
· The Code of Practice on Harassment and Bullying
Further information and advice are available from
The Equality Service, Telephone: +44 (0)113 343
3927 or by email to <mailto:equal...@leeds.ac.uk>equal...@leeds.ac.uk.
Removal Expenses
The University will contribute to removal
expenses incurred by new members of Academic and
Academic-Related (Professional and Managerial) staff who:
· accept a position for two years
duration or more, which is University funded,
· accept a position that has been
advertised nationally (this includes the University website and jobs.ac.uk),
· at the time of appointment (i.e.
date of letter of appointment) live outside a
radius of 25 miles from Leeds (LS2) and who move
to within such a distance to take up the post.
Prior to making any travel or removal
arrangements please contact your appointing Faculty/Service.
Claims may not cover conveyancing or estate
agent's fees or other costs involved in the
relocation. Members of staff seeking such
assistance should contact the Recruitment Service
for the details of approved contractors and a
copy of the University Removals Policy.
Key Principles
For qualifying staff the University will
reimburse the cost of moving household effects
only (by surface freight), the cost of storage
(up to a maximum period of six months) and
insurance costs (while effects are in transit or
storage). The costs must be reasonable and up to a maximum of £5,000.
Staff joining the University from overseas on a
University funded position, may receive full
reimbursement of economy class fares for all
members of their immediate family i.e.
spouse/partner and children, together with
reasonable costs for removing household effects
by surface freight. Receipted invoices or other
appropriate documentation should accompany all claims for removal expenses.
Expenses are normally paid only in respect of an
initial appointment and must normally be claimed
within 12 months of taking up the appointment.
The University is entitled to recover removal
expenses for all staff who, at their own
volition, terminate their employment with the
University within the first 2 years of their
contract. The University will not however seek
to recover such expenses from staff granted an ex
gratia payment on a discretionary basis i.e.
staff on University-funded appointments of two
years or less or staff on outside-funded appointments.
Pension information
For appointments to academic or professional and
managerial grades you will be eligible to join
the Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS) and
will automatically be entered into this Scheme
when you commence employment at the University.
Full details of the benefits offered by the
Scheme can be found on their website
<http://www.uss.co.uk>www.uss.co.uk, and more
information can also be obtained from the University Pensions Department.
If you are being appointed to a clinical post
with the University, you may retain the right to
remain in the NHS pension scheme.
If you are an existing University member of staff
and are currently on a support grade, you will be
eligible to join USS on your appointment to an
academic or professional and managerial grade.
You may decide to transfer the benefits you have
built up in the Pension and Assurance Scheme
(PAS) to USS, however this transfer will not be
on a year for year basis and you may decide
instead to leave these benefits deferred in the
PAS scheme. The pensions department will be able
to give you further details regarding the options available to you.
If your appointment is to a grade 7 post, in some
circumstances it may be possible for you to
remain in PAS, please speak to the pensions department for further details.
