Research Associate Socio-Economic & Systems Modelling

Posted 18 February 2026
Salary Grade 7 £41,064 - £46,049 per annum
LocationGraham Kerr Building
Job Type Research and Teaching
Reference193515
Expiry 18 March 2026 at 23:45

Job description

COLLEGE OF MVLS

School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine

Post-Doctoral Research Associate

Grade 7

Job Purpose

To lead on economic, behavioural and systems-modelling project components, integrating fisher behaviour, market demand, welfare and sustainability into quantitative frameworks that guide decision-making. The role involves extended periods of fieldwork in the Brazilian Amazon.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Lead the design, analysis and interpretation of fisher interviews, participatory mapping and deliberative valuation.

2. Co-facilitate participatory systems-mapping workshops with Amazonian communities and stakeholders.

3. Lead co-development of bioeconomic models incorporating welfare, mortality, fisher effort, prices and consumer preferences.

4. Lead and analyse UK consumer and retailer choice experiments assessing willingness to pay for welfare and sustainability.

5. Integrate biological outputs (mortality, stress, recovery) into economic and population models.

6. Generate policy-relevant outputs including trade-off analyses and sustainability scenarios.

7. Co-author interdisciplinary publications across economics, conservation and welfare science.

8. Support participatory feedback to fishers and policymakers in Brazil.

9. Train students and partners in modelling, valuation and interpretation of socio-ecological systems.

The above duties are not exhaustive and the postholder will be required to undertake any other relevant duties as required by the line manager which are commensurate with the grade of the post.

Please note that as part of your application you must address and demonstrate how you meet EACH of the essential/desirable criteria below. Applications which do not address the essential criteria as requested will not be progressed.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills & Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

A2 PhD in environmental economics, ecological economics, fisheries economics, environmental social science, quantitative geography, or a closely related discipline.

A3 In-depth knowledge of how human behaviour, markets, and incentives influence natural-resource use and environmental outcomes.

A4 Understanding of stated-preference methods, choice experiments, or behavioural valuation approaches used in environmental and resource economics.

A5 Knowledge of sustainability, fisheries, conservation, or socio-ecological systems relevant to small-scale or developing-world resource use.

Desirable:

B1. Knowledge of bioeconomic or fisheries models linking population dynamics with economic behaviour.

B2. Familiarity with participatory or deliberative valuation, systems mapping, or stakeholder-based modelling approaches.

B3. Knowledge of wildlife trade, certification, or sustainability standards in fisheries or aquaculture.

Skills

Essential:

C1. Ability to design, implement and analyse quantitative social-science data, such as surveys, interviews or choice experiments.

C2. Strong statistical and modelling skills using R, Python, Stata, or equivalent.

C3. Ability to integrate qualitative and quantitative data into coherent analytical frameworks.

C4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to explain quantitative results to non-economists, policymakers and community partners.

C5. Strong organisational skills and ...

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