Research Fellow in Ecosystem Acoustics

Listening to Nature: Monitoring Biodiversity Through Sound

Join an exciting government funded research project developing next-generation biodiversity monitoring technologies.

Nottingham Trent University is seeking two enthusiastic researchers to join the newly funded Eco-SEv project, which aims to optimise autonomous acoustic technologies for assessing biodiversity and ecosystem health across agricultural, forestry and natural environments.

Working in collaboration with an innovative technology company and a consortium of industry and international partners, you will contribute to the development and validation of next-generation ecoacoustic tools for assessing biodiversity and ecosystem health across diverse environments in the UK and internationally.

By combining autonomous acoustic sensors, ecological expertise and advanced analytical approaches, Eco-SEv aims to deliver scalable solutions that support environmental monitoring, natural capital assessment and sustainability across a range of agricultural, forestry and conservation settings.

Research Fellow responsibilities:
You will lead NTU's research contribution to the project, designing and delivering acoustic monitoring studies, analysing ecological and acoustic datasets, reporting outputs and coordinating validation activities undertaken by partners in the UK and Kenya. You will work closely with leading researchers in ecoacoustics, ecology and biodiversity assessment, alongside commercial partners developing cutting-edge environmental sensing technologies.

What we are looking for:
We welcome applicants from disciplines such as Ecology, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Geography, Bioacoustics, Ecoacoustics, Zoology, Natural Resources Management, and related environmental disciplines.

Candidates should ideally have experience in ecological field research and biodiversity monitoring, together with skills in data analysis, statistical modelling, GIS, and programming in R and/or Python. Familiarity with ecoacoustic methods, including the processing and analysis of acoustic datasets, use of ecoacoustic software and platforms, and management of large biodiversity databases, would be highly desirable. Experience with environmental sensors, remote sensing technologies and machine learning approaches would also be advantageous.

Benefits:
- 30–35 days annual leave per year plus statutory bank holidays and 5 university closure days pro rata
- Hybrid working — a mixture of office working and working from home
- Flexibility — open to different working patterns and approaches
- Salary Sacrifice Retirement Savings Plan with life assurance and income protection; minimum colleague contributions of 0% matched with minimum NTU contributions of 8%
- Access to formal and informal professional development opportunities
- Range of health and wellbeing services, including a Health Cash Plan, voluntary benefits, discounts, and savings

Note: These roles have been assessed as ineligible for sponsorship under the UK Visas & Immigration points-based immigration system. Applications are welcome from candidates who do not currently have the right to work in the UK but who would be eligible to obtain a valid visa via another route.

This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974) and successful applicants will be asked to declare any unspent criminal convictions.

Interview Date: week commencing 30th November 2026.