Research Fellow in Bat Ecosystem Services

Research Fellow in Bat Ecosystem Services

University of Southampton – School of Biological Sciences
Southampton, UK

The School of Biological Sciences at the University of Southampton invites applications for a Research Fellow in Bat Ecosystem Services. This full-time, fixed-term post is funded by the Leverhulme Trust as part of the project “Quantifying the socio-economic consequences of losing bat guano services”. The role centres on interdisciplinary research at the interface of ecology, socio-ecological systems and sustainable development, exploring the ecological and socio-economic importance of bat guano in Mexico.

The project integrates field ecology, cave ecosystem assessment, stakeholder engagement and value‑chain and governance analyses to better understand how this under‑recognised natural resource supports agriculture and rural livelihoods. The successful candidate will be based at the University’s Highfield Campus and contribute to high-quality academic publications and policy‑relevant outputs, collaborating with UK‑ and Mexico‑based partners, conservation organisations, and government agencies. The position is fixed for 36 months (3 years) and includes participation in extended international fieldwork and interdisciplinary research activities.

Applicants should hold a completed PhD (or equivalent) in ecology, conservation biology, environmental science, environmental economics, or a closely related discipline. Candidates must demonstrate strong field-based research experience, with a specific interest in bats, ecology or socio‑ecological systems. A willingness and ability to conduct extended international fieldwork and work across cultural and disciplinary boundaries are required.

• Proven experience in ecological field research, preferably with bats or comparable wildlife systems.
• Interest and experience in socio‑ecological research, including stakeholder engagement and governance analyses.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within an interdisciplinary research team.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English for academic publication and reporting.
• Spanish language skills desirable or willingness to learn to support fieldwork and stakeholder engagement in Mexico.

The appointment carries a salary of £41,064 per annum, reflecting full-time employment for the fixed-term project.

Applications must be received by Monday 30 March 2026.