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

Job Description

Role Summary

The University of Reading invites applications for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join a leading project on sustainable agriculture. This post focuses on mechanistically understanding cereal-legume intercrops for improving crop quality, soil health, and reducing nitrogen losses. The successful candidate will balance fieldwork, laboratory analyses, data science, manuscript preparation, and knowledge dissemination.

This appointment is part of the UKRI/Horizon Europe project LEGUMINOSE, aimed at promoting legume-cereal intercropping for sustainable agricultural systems across Europe.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct field experiments to evaluate cereal-legume intercropping systems.
• Measure soil and plant parameters and analyse samples in laboratory settings.
• Quantify gaseous and leachate nitrogen losses to assess environmental impacts.
• Apply quantitative and statistical analyses to environmental datasets.
• Prepare research outputs including manuscripts, presentations, and reports.
• Communicate findings to both academic and non-academic stakeholders.
• Work collaboratively across project teams, both on campus and at Sonning Farm, Reading.

Candidate Requirements

• PhD (or near completion) in Agriculture, Soil Science, Crop Science, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
• Hands-on experience with field sampling and laboratory analysis of soil and crops.
• Strong understanding of carbon and nitrogen cycling in agroecosystems.
• Proven skills in quantitative environmental data analysis.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in team environments.
• Flexibility to work across the Whiteknights campus and Sonning Farm locations.

Contract Details

• Full-time, fixed-term until the end of the project (31 October 2026).
• Expected start date: January or February 2026.
• Internal candidates may apply on a secondment basis with managerial approval.

Visa and Immigration Information

Applicants requiring sponsorship may be eligible under the Skilled Worker visa route. Candidates should verify eligibility prior to applying. Relevant UK government guidance includes:

• Skilled Worker visa overview
• UK visa types and eligibility
• Points-based immigration system
• Check your visa eligibility
• Visa fees and processing guidance

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted via the University of Reading careers portal by 23:59 on 5 December 2025. Interviews will take place on 15 December 2025.

Why Join Us

The University of Reading offers a supportive, inclusive, and flexible working environment, underpinned by:

• Commitment to Athena SWAN Charter for gender equality.
• Support for the Race Equality Charter and LGBT+ equality initiatives.
• Recognition as a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2).
• Opportunities for career development and professional growth.
• Applications for job-share, part-time, and flexible working arrangements are welcomed where aligned with business needs.