The University of Edinburgh
Postdoctoral Researcher in Regenerative Livestock Systems
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Job Description
Grade UE07: £41,064 to £48,822 per annum
School/Department: RDSVS Division of Global Agriculture & Food Systems
Full Time: 35 hours per week
Fixed Term: 27 months
The Opportunity
Help shape the future of sustainable livestock systems across Europe
The University of Edinburgh is a place where people are inspired to explore, innovate and make a difference. We are driven by curiosity, committed to excellence, and united by a shared ambition to create positive change. As part of our community, you will join colleagues who are principled, inclusive, and motivated by research that matters.
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate to join the Division of Global Agriculture & Food Systems within RDSVS and contribute to the University’s role in Nutrifeeds, a major Horizon Europe project transforming how animal feed is produced, sourced and valued across Europe. This is an exciting opportunity for a researcher who wants to work at the interface of livestock systems, agricultural economics, sustainability science, and social research methods, and who thrives in collaborative, multi-country research environments.
In this role, you will take responsibility for planning and delivering key elements of the Nutrifeeds work programme, including farm-level data collection, semi-quantitative surveys, and analysis of regenerative and circular livestock feeding systems. You will design and manage analytical workflows using R or Python, contribute to modelling and evidence-synthesis tasks, and help shape new ideas and approaches within the project.
You will work closely with partners across Europe, participate in project meetings and workshops, and contribute to policy-relevant outputs that support the EU Farm to Fork Strategy and the transition to a climate-neutral food system. You will disseminate findings through publications and presentations, and you may supervise students or junior researchers involved in data collection or analysis.
We are looking for someone who brings strong analytical skills, excellent communication, and a collaborative, adaptable approach. You will be comfortable working independently, managing your own workstreams, and contributing proactively to project design. Experience with livestock systems, agricultural economics, or mixed-methods farm research will be valuable, and familiarity with regenerative agriculture or sustainability assessment frameworks is an advantage.
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If you are motivated by research that delivers real-world impact, and you want to contribute to shaping more sustainable and resilient food systems, we would love to hear from you.
This post is full-time (35 hours per week) for 27 months. We are open to considering flexible or hybrid working arrangements.
How To Apply
Please include the following documents in your application:
- CV
- Cover letter outlining your suitability for the role
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Family-friendly policies and flexible working options.
- Staff discounts, wellbeing resources, and professional development opportunities.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.
Championing equality, diversity and inclusion
The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.
We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from groups currently underrepresented in our School and discipline.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.
The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.
Please note if the role is offered on a part-time basis, it may result in sponsorship being dependent on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant or the role no longer meeting the Home Office’s criteria for sponsorship.
Key dates
The closing date for applications is Friday 30th October 2026
Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browser's local time zone.
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Interview date: Friday 20th November 2026
About Us
As a world-leading research-intensive University, we are here to address tomorrow’s greatest challenges. Between now and 2030 we will do that with a values-led approach to teaching, research and innovation, and through the strength of our relationships, both locally and globally.
About The Team
The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (https://vet.ed.ac.uk/about/what-we-do) is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to over 800 staff and a thriving student community (https://vet.ed.ac.uk/education).
The School comprises the Roslin Institute, three veterinary hospitals, a pathology unit, innovation centre and a range of research centres and services.
We represent one of the largest concentrations of animal science expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge.
Education
The School is widely accredited, enabling our graduates to practise across the globe. We are ranked among the best vet schools in the UK and internationally, evidencing our leadership in veterinary education, research and clinical practice.
The Roslin Institute collaborates closely in delivering research-led teaching to undergraduate veterinary students, and promoting clinical veterinary research and translation.
The School’s position as part of the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine enables the translation of expertise and knowledge into human health and vice-versa.
Research Impact
In a joint submission to the latest UK Research Excellence Framework exercise, research at the School and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) ranked number one in the UK for agriculture, food and veterinary sciences by combining ratings for each institution. The research environment was rated 100 per cent world leading or internationally excellent, as was the impact of our research on society.
Community
The School holds Athena SWAN Silver, and the Roslin Institute Gold. The campus is home to a thriving and diverse community of staff and students, with access to facilities including allotments, cycle facilities, fitness trails, restaurants and a gym.
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