Postdoctoral Researcher in Livestock Systems(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Opportunity

The University of Reading is inviting applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher to join PATHWAYS, an international research initiative focused on understanding and improving the sustainability of livestock systems across Europe.

This short-term, high-impact role is ideal for a researcher who enjoys synthesis-driven work and wants to see research directly inform policy and practice. You will work within a well-established, interdisciplinary team and collaborate with actors across farming, supply chains, civil society, and policymaking to explore realistic transition pathways for the livestock sector.

The Research Context

Livestock systems sit at the heart of many global challenges, including climate change, food security, biodiversity loss, and rural livelihoods. PATHWAYS responds to these challenges by bringing together evidence from advanced sustainability assessments and engaging stakeholders to co-produce credible and actionable insights.

The project aligns closely with UK and European public priorities on sustainable agriculture and food systems, including those outlined by:

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)

UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) – food systems and sustainability research

Office for National Statistics (ONS) – agriculture and environmental datasets

What You Will Do

As a Postdoctoral Researcher on PATHWAYS, you will play a central role in delivering one of the project’s key outputs. Your responsibilities will include:

Evidence Synthesis:
Bringing together findings from existing model-based sustainability assessments (such as life cycle assessment, spatial analysis, and scenario modelling) to identify viable transition pathways for European livestock systems.

Strategic Analysis:
Interpreting trade-offs across environmental, economic, and social dimensions and helping to articulate a forward-looking research agenda for sustainable livestock.

Stakeholder Engagement:
Supporting the design and facilitation of structured workshops with researchers, policymakers, NGOs, farmers, and supply-chain actors to test and refine emerging conclusions.

Research Outputs:
Preparing material for peer-reviewed publications, project reports, and wider dissemination, ensuring findings are accessible to both academic and non-academic audiences.

Collaboration and Funding Development:
Working closely with European partners and contributing to the development of future research proposals and funding applications.

Who We Are Looking For

This role will suit a researcher who combines strong analytical capability with an interest in real-world impact and collaborative research.

You will have:

• A PhD or equivalent experience in a relevant discipline (natural or social sciences, with a focus on food systems, agriculture, or sustainability)
• Experience in sustainability assessment, trade-off analysis, and/or participatory research methods such as interviews or stakeholder workshops
• A record of contributing to academic publications and/or conference presentations
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to deliver high-quality outputs to tight deadlines
• A commitment to inclusive research that meaningfully involves farmers, industry, civil society, and policymakers

Visa and Right-to-Work Information

Depending on the applicable Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, this role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker Route. Applicants considering this option should ensure they meet the points-based requirements set out by UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)

Additional information on working and researching in the UK can be found via:

https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas

Equality, Inclusion and Flexible Working

The University of Reading is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment. We actively support the Athena SWAN Charter, the Race Equality Charter, and LGBT+ equality, and we are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2).

Applications for job-share, part-time, secondment, and flexible working arrangements are welcomed and will be considered in line with operational needs.