Research Associate in Pollination Ecology & Sustainable Development

The role

Pollinator declines across the Himalayan region are leading to negative impacts on people’s livelihoods and health as the yields of nutritious, high-value crops decline. We have proved on our previous projects that these trends can be reversed at a local scale if farmers, researchers and policymakers work together. This new project will deliver a national-level regime-shift in pollinator awareness, farming and beekeeping practices, research capacity, and conservation policy in Nepal leading to healthier people, economies and ecosystems across the Himalayan region. A post-doctoral research assistant is needed to coordinate this project overall, contribute technical agroecological expertise, and assess the effectiveness of our interventions.

Interview date: 17th December 2025

What will you be doing?

The role involves a dynamic mix of research and administrative responsibilities within an international project. Key research duties include data monitoring, analysis, and curation; writing up findings from research and impact activities; preparing survey protocols and training materials; and contributing to data collector training courses in Nepal.

The postholder will also support and co-supervise Masters and PhD students from both Bristol and Nepal, and actively participate in initiatives aimed at enhancing engagement with research and impact beyond academia. Although UK-based, the position requires at least one annual trip to Nepal.

Administrative responsibilities include regular communication with project partners, reviewing team documents such as reports and policy briefs, compiling and evaluating evidence of intervention impact for publication and reporting, assisting with survey permissions and health and safety documentation, and scheduling and recording action points from team meetings.

You should apply if

We are seeking a highly organised and communicative individual with proven experience coordinating complex, multi-partner projects. The successful candidate will demonstrate excellent verbal and written communication skills, strong organisational and time management abilities, and a capacity to manage their own workload effectively.

A sound understanding of safeguarding, ethics, and Health & Safety requirements is essential, alongside the ability to organise and facilitate meetings both in person and online. Given the international and interdisciplinary nature of the project, experience working with partners from diverse cultural and disciplinary backgrounds is crucial.

Applicants should also possess knowledge of agroecology—particularly pollination biology—and broader themes in sustainable development.

Ideally, the applicant will be based in Bristol full time, in order to integrate with the wider Biological Sciences community (there is a vibrant ecology research group at Bristol University). However, flexible/hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Additional information

For informal enquiries please contact Professor Jane Memmott, Professor of Ecology and Dulverton Chair, [email protected]

Contract type: Open Ended with Fixed Funding until 30/09/2029
Work pattern: Full-time
Grade: I
School/Unit: Biological Sciences

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 30/11/2025
Interview date: 17th December 2025