Research Fellow, Biological Sciences
Research Fellow, Biological Sciences (SBS185R)
ProPollSoil (www.propollsoil.eu) is a pan-European project (Horizon-Miss-2024-Soil-01) that aims to enhance understanding of the relationship between soil health and soil-dependent insect pollinators. We are looking for a Soil Biophysicist to join the team, providing expertise on how pollinators interact with physical constraints from their habitat. Alongside a multidisciplinary team of investigators from 24 institutions across the globe, you will enhance understanding of the relationship between soil health and soil-dependent insect pollinators. The project is investigating how soil properties and their degradation may contribute to pollinator decline, supporting the development of soil management strategies to support pollinator conservation and habitat restoration. Soil-dependent insects, especially ground-nesting pollinators, are vital for ecosystem functions like pollination, pest control, and nutrient cycling, but are increasingly threatened by intensive land use and environmental changes. For wild bees alone, about 75% of the 20,000 species that live in Europe are thought be ground nesting, and there are many lesser-known species. This multidisciplinary research is novel because it combines soil analysis techniques with the study of the biology of soil-dependent insects, focusing on the little know below-ground life stages of these above-ground taxa.
Job Description
At the University of Aberdeen the Research Fellow will work in the Soil Biophysics Group with Prof. Paul Hallett, in close collaboration with Dr Fabio Manfredini at Università degli Studi di Milano. Their website can be found at:
Paul Hallett: https://www.abdn.ac.uk/people/paul.hallett#research
Fabio Manfredini: https://www.unimi.it/en/ugov/person/fabio-manfredini
Salary will be at the appropriate point on Grade 6, £38,784 - £42,254 per annum with placement according to qualifications and experience. The role can be conducted on a full time or part-time basis, but at a minimum of 0.5 FTE.
Informal enquiries should be made to Paul Hallett, Professor in Soil Biophysics at paul.hallett@abdn.ac.uk.
Should you require a visa to undertake employment in the UK you will be required to fulfil the minimum points criteria to be granted a Certificate of Sponsorship under the requirements of the Skilled Worker visa. At the time an offer of appointment is made, you will be asked to demonstrate that you fulfil the criteria in respect of qualification and competency in English. For research and academic posts, we will consider eligibility under the Global Talent visa. Please do not hesitate to contact Lucy Redmayne, HR Adviser (e-mail: lucy.redmayne@abdn.ac.uk) for further information.
To apply online for this position visit www.abdn.ac.uk/jobs
Job Reference Number: SBS185R
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 10 March 2026
The School of Biological Sciences embraces a diverse working environment and recognises the many benefits this can bring. Applications from individuals from across all of the equality protected characteristics are encouraged.
Please Note
If you are unable to complete an application online, please contact the Recruitment Team (HRRecruitment@abdn.ac.uk) to make alternative arrangements for submitting your application within plenty of time before the advertised post closes.