Postdoctoral Researcher in Livestock Systems(UK Visa Sponsorship)

Job Description

About the Role

We are seeking a motivated and analytically minded Postdoctoral Researcher to join PATHWAYS, a high-profile international research project exploring how livestock systems in Europe can transition towards greater sustainability.

This six-month, delivery-focused role offers an exceptional opportunity to work at the intersection of science, policy, and practice. You will collaborate with an established multidisciplinary team and engage directly with stakeholders across farming, supply chains, civil society, and policymaking to help shape evidence-based pathways for the future of livestock production.

The PATHWAYS Project

PATHWAYS brings together cutting-edge sustainability assessment methods—such as life cycle assessment (LCA), spatial modelling, and scenario analysis—to evaluate current and emerging livestock systems. The project’s ambition is to support practical, credible, and socially informed transition strategies aligned with European sustainability goals and policy frameworks.

Key Responsibilities

In this role, you will take ownership of a central project output and contribute across several interconnected activities:

Synthesis and Integration:
Combine and interpret findings from existing model-based sustainability assessments to identify optimal transition pathways for livestock systems in Europe.

Strategic Insight Development:
Translate technical evidence into a forward-looking research agenda that addresses environmental, economic, and social trade-offs.

Stakeholder Engagement:
Co-design and facilitate structured workshops with scientists, policymakers, NGOs, farmers, and supply-chain actors to validate and refine research outcomes.

Research Outputs and Impact:
Lead or contribute to peer-reviewed publications, project deliverables, and knowledge-exchange materials aimed at academic and policy audiences.

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

About You

This post is particularly well suited to researchers who are keen to build a visible profile in applied food and agricultural systems research.

You will ideally have:

• A PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline (natural or social sciences with a focus on agriculture, food systems, or sustainability)
• Demonstrated experience in sustainability assessment, trade-off analysis, and/or participatory research methods (e.g. interviews or stakeholder workshops)
• A track record of contributing to academic publications or conference presentations
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage synthesis-driven research outputs within tight timelines
• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to inclusive research that reflects real-world needs and perspectives

Immigration and Visa Information

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker Route, subject to meeting the relevant points-based criteria. Applicants are encouraged to review the latest guidance from UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI)