Lecturer in Geospatial Data Science

The Post

The School of Life and Environmental Sciences, in the Faculty of Natural Sciences, is seeking to appoint a Lecturer in Geospatial Data Science, with a particular focus on using geospatial and data-driven approaches to understand environmental change and address environmental challenges. We welcome applications from environmental scientists and geographers working across geospatial data science and related fields.

The post provides an opportunity to develop research that combines environmental investigations with innovative approaches to analysing, modelling and interpreting environmental and geospatial data. The successful candidate may draw on a range of geospatial methods, including techniques in environmental statistics, GIS, remote sensing, artificial intelligence and machine learning, particularly where these are applied to addressing practical real-world environmental challenges.

The post holder will be expected to demonstrate a clear research trajectory, deliver internationally excellent publications, and contribute to a strong and collaborative research culture. They will also deliver high quality teaching in geospatial data science, with an expectation of contributing core teaching in both undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, including lectures and field courses, as well as assessment and associated administration.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with expertise in geospatial data science, GIS, terrestrial remote sensing, and from those applying this expertise to interdisciplinary and applied environmental and geographical research. Experience of developing students’ quantitative, programming and geospatial analytical skills, as well as familiarity with UAV-based systems, would also be welcome.

For informal enquiries about this post, please contact Professor David Oliver (david.oliver@stir.ac.uk).

This post is offered at a Grade 7/8 (Lecturer) level.

Description of Duties

Grade 7

• Engage in individual and collaborative research, which aligns to the strategic direction of the University, develop a programme of research and disseminate results through regular publication in high impact journals, books and conference proceedings
• Identify appropriate sources of funding, prepare research proposals for funding bodies and manage grants awarded
• Supervise research students as required, providing direction, support and guidance
• Design and deliver a range of in-person teaching and learning, supervision and assessment activities across undergraduate, postgraduate including online/digital programmes where required
• Participate in the Faculty’s international engagement activities as required e.g delivering teaching, contributing to joint programmes and recruitment of students
• Participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the School/Faculty/University
• Participate in the administrative processes of the School/Faculty/University including committee membership, quality assurance procedures and recruitment and admission of students
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post

Grade 8

• Engage in individual and collaborative research, which aligns to the strategic direction of the University, establish a distinctive programme of research and disseminate results through regular publication in high impact journals, books and conference proceedings
• Identify appropriate sources of funding, prepare research proposals for funding bodies and manage grants awarded
• Supervise research students and staff as required, providing direction, support and guidance
• Design, teach and assess a range of in-person teaching and learning, supervision and assessment activities across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes including online/digital programmes where required
• Contribute to curriculum review and enhancement, in a manner that supports a research-led approach to student learning
• Participate in the Faculty’s international engagement activities as required e.g delivering teaching, contributing to joint programmes and recruitment of students
• Participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to the School/Faculty/University
• Participate in the administrative processes of the School/Faculty/University including committee membership, quality assurance procedures and recruitment and admission of students
• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post

Essential Criteria

Grade 7

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant discipline (Environmental Science, Environmental Geography, Geospatial Science) or close to successful completion

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Evidence of a developing publication record
• Credible plans for the active pursuit of external research funding
• Experience or knowledge to design, teach and assess modules in the subject area
• Demonstrable competence in the use of GIS and experience of applying GIS within relevant academic, professional or research contexts, with the ability to support students in developing their GIS skills
• Familiarity with, or experience of, applying remote sensing techniques within relevant academic, professional or research contexts
• Evidence of the ability to deliver excellent teaching at undergraduate and/or postgraduate level

Grade 8

Qualifications

• PhD in relevant discipline (Environmental Science, Environmental Geography, Geospatial Science)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Established track record of high quality published research
• A record of involvement in applications for external funding for research
• Experience of supervising dissertation projects across the range of undergraduate/ postgraduate and of supervising doctoral students
• Evidence of high quality teaching across a range of programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate level preferably including online/digital programmes
• Knowledge and application of GIS, with experience of contributing to GIS teaching, practical classes or learning resources, and of supporting students to apply GIS within their discipline
• Experience of applying remote sensing techniques and/or working with remote sensing data within teaching, practical classes or research
• Experience of designing and delivering course modules
• Evidence of successful co-ordination, support, supervision, management and/or mentoring of others

Desirable Criteria

Grade 7

Qualifications

• Higher Education teaching qualification or equivalent e.g. PGCert and/or holding or working towards Associate Fellow of Higher Education Academy (HEA)

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Evidence of success in attracting research grants/external funding and delivering on externally funded research projects
• Experience of supervising dissertations and research projects
• Demonstrate a broad understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning support as key contributions to high quality student learning
• Experience of designing, developing and delivering field-based teaching, including the use of innovative or research-informed approaches to enhance student learning
• Evidence or knowledge to support international activities
• Evidence of a basic knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework

Grade 8

Qualifications

• Higher Education teaching qualification or equivalent e.g. PGCert and/or holding an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) and be working towards Fellowship

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Evidence of collaborative research with other institutions and interdisciplinary work
• Demonstrates a thorough understanding of effective approaches to teaching and learning support as a key contribution to high quality student learning
• Experience of designing, developing and delivering field-based teaching, including the use of innovative or research-informed approaches to enhance student learning
• Evidence of programme innovation and development
• Evidence or knowledge to support international activities
• Evidence or knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework

Additional Information

Full time
Open ended

Grade 7: £39,560 - £46,970 p.a. OR
Grade 8: £48,337 - £57,666 p.a.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Monday 23 November 2026.
Interviews are expected to take place on Wednesday 09 December 2026.

There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.

This role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2311.

The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

1. Managing self and personal skillsBeing aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.
2. Delivering excellent serviceProviding the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.
3. Finding solutionsTaking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
4. Embracing changeBeing open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
5. Using resources effectivelyIdentifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
6. Engaging with the wider contextEnhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.
7. Developing self and othersShowing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
8. Working togetherWorking collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
9. Achieving ResultsConsistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

The University

The University of Stirling is Scottish University of the Year 2027 and UK Sports University of the Year 2027 (Daily Mail University Guide).

The University is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.

The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,500 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long standing designation as Scotland’s University for Sporting Excellence.

We are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and, in recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.

Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 200 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting the UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).

Alongside partners, the University spearheads the £214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal – which will deliver major University led projects, the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub and Scotland’s International Environment Centre. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

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