Postdoctoral Researcher in Livestock Systems(UK Visa Sponsorship)
Job Description
About the Opportunity
The University of Reading invites applications for a Postdoctoral Researcher in Livestock Systems to join the internationally funded PATHWAYS project, which focuses on assessing and shaping the sustainability of current and future livestock systems across Europe.
This is a delivery-focused, high-impact role offering the opportunity to work at the interface of research, policy, and practice. You will collaborate with leading academics, supply-chain actors, policymakers, NGOs, and farming stakeholders to help define credible transition pathways for sustainable livestock production.
Although fixed-term, this role provides an excellent platform for researchers seeking to strengthen their profile in applied agri-food systems research and European policy-relevant work.
About the PATHWAYS Project
PATHWAYS brings together interdisciplinary expertise to evaluate how livestock systems can transition towards improved environmental, social, and economic sustainability. The project synthesises evidence from life cycle assessment (LCA), spatial modelling, scenario analysis, and stakeholder engagement to inform future research priorities and decision-making in the European livestock sector.
Your Role
In this role, you will lead a central project output by integrating and synthesising findings from existing sustainability assessments. Your work will directly inform future transition strategies for livestock systems.
Key responsibilities include:
- Synthesising and combining outputs from model-based sustainability assessments (e.g. LCA, spatial and scenario analyses)
- Identifying credible transition pathways for sustainable livestock production in Europe
- Designing and facilitating structured stakeholder and scientific workshops
- Interpreting and analysing data on innovative livestock practices
- Preparing outputs for peer-reviewed journals and project deliverables
- Contributing to future research proposals and funding applications
- Engaging with project partners and organisations across the European agri-food sector
About You
This role would suit a researcher who is analytically strong, well-organised, and motivated by research with real-world impact. We are particularly interested in applicants who value co-production of knowledge and inclusive research processes.
You will have:
- A PhD in a relevant discipline (natural or social sciences related to agriculture or food systems), or equivalent experience
- Experience in sustainability assessment, trade-off analysis, and/or stakeholder-based research methods
- Evidence of contributing to academic publications or conference presentations
The ability to manage complex synthesis work and communicate findings clearly to diverse audiences
Presentation and Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview, which will include a short presentation on:
- “Meeting the requirements of the post and highlights from my research to date.”
Visa and Right to Work Information
By reference to the applicable Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) code, sponsorship may be available under the UK Skilled Worker visa route. Applicants considering this option should ensure they meet the points-based criteria before applying.
Useful UK Government guidance includes:
Skilled Worker visa overview
The University cannot provide immigration advice at the application stage and will discuss visa options only with shortlisted candidates.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
The University of Reading is committed to building an inclusive and supportive working environment. We actively support:
- The Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality
- The Race Equality Charter
- Equality for LGBT+ staff and students
We are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) and welcome applications from disabled candidates. Flexible working arrangements, including job-share and part-time options, will be considered in line with business needs.
