Postdoctoral Research Associate in Soil and Crop Sciences(UK Visa Sponsorship Available)

Job Description

About the Role

The University of Reading is seeking a highly motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate in Soil and Crop Sciences to join the School of Archaeology, Geography & Environmental Science (SAGES). This is a full-time, fixed-term position until 31 October 2026, contributing to the UKRI/Horizon Europe project LEGUMINOSE (Legume-Cereal Intercropping for Sustainable Agriculture Across Europe).

This role offers an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable agriculture research, focusing on understanding how cereal–legume intercrops improve crop quality, soil health, and nitrogen cycling. The postholder will engage in fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and data analysis, contributing to high-impact research outputs and collaborative project deliverables.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field and laboratory research to assess the impact of cereal–legume intercropping on crop quality, soil health, and nitrogen dynamics.
• Quantify gaseous and leachate nitrogen losses from experimental plots.
• Analyse environmental and agronomic data using advanced quantitative methods.
• Prepare manuscripts for publication and contribute to project reports and deliverables.
• Collaborate with UK and international research partners to advance project objectives.
• Communicate research findings to academic, industry, and policy audiences.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• PhD (or near completion) in Agriculture, Soil Science, Crop Science, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in field measurements and laboratory analysis of soil or plant samples.
• Strong understanding of carbon and nitrogen cycling in agricultural systems.
• Proven ability in quantitative data analysis and environmental data interpretation.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing academic publications.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to collaborate effectively across disciplines.
• Willingness and ability to work across both Whiteknights Campus and Sonning Farm (Reading).

Desirable Attributes

• Experience working on EU or UKRI-funded agricultural or environmental projects.
• Familiarity with greenhouse gas measurement techniques or soil nutrient modelling.
• Experience engaging with stakeholders in sustainable agriculture research.

What We Offer

• Salary: £36,636 per annum
• Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until 31 October 2026
• Start Date: January or February 2026 (preferred)
• Collaborative and inclusive research environment with access to state-of-the-art facilities.
• Opportunity to contribute to internationally significant sustainability research.
• Flexible working arrangements considered.

Visa Sponsorship

Sponsorship under the UK Skilled Worker Route may be available for eligible applicants. Candidates should review the eligibility requirements on the UK Home Office website before applying. Visa discussions will only take place with shortlisted candidates.

Application Details

• Closing Date: 23:59, 5 December 2025
• Interview Date: 15 December 2025
• Reference: SRF52175

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

The University of Reading is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and supportive community. We proudly support the Athena SWAN Charter, the Race Equality Charter, and are a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2).

Applications for job-share, part-time, or flexible working arrangements are welcome and will be considered in line with business needs.