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Overview
As a Research Associate, you will join the Horizon Europe funded project PV4Plants: An AgriPV system with climate, water and light spectrum control for safe and improved crop production'. PV4Plants aims to optimise the synergy between agriculture and renewable energy sectors to improve both crop performance and land use efficiency, along with renewable energy production through solar power generation. This exciting project will test the deployment of innovative, rotational agricultural photovoltaic (AgriPV) panels that both utilise light spectrum engineering capabilities and can also rotate according to environmental factors or the light requirements of the plants. The project aims to model the physiological response of crops to different light spectral environments, microclimates and AgriPV shading configurations, and will deploy a cross-disciplinary approach, using controlled growth chambers, in situ experiments, novel sensor technology and mechanistic and/or data-driven modelling approaches to optimise AgriPV design for different crop species in different climatic conditions.
The postholder will work alongside two other Research Associates to coordinate the modelling of plant gas exchange (photosynthesis and transpiration) from novel sensor data. The performance of crops under different light environments will be measured using traditional gas-exchange methods, alongside data from proximal sensors (e.g. chlorophyll fluorescence, hyperspectral reflectance, thermal). This proximal data will be used firstly to investigate if changes in crop traits and fluxes under different light environments can be detected, and then to model crop productivity and /or overall yields. The overall aim of the research is to operationalise sensing technologies to increase our capability to measure crop performance and a real-time monitoring system which can guide AgriPV design.
The post will be supervised by Prof. Colin Osborne and Dr. Holly Croft and, as an integral part of the team, you will be encouraged and supported to develop your own research profile, contribute to the supervision of postgraduate students, attend national and international conferences, and publish research findings in peer-reviewed journals. This is an exciting opportunity to undertake high-quality, international research on a novel, multi-disciplinary project that integrates cutting edge remote sensing techniques, sensor technologies and modelling techniques.
Main duties and responsibilities
Co-ordinate the development of modelling approaches to estimate leaf gas-exchange and plant productivity on crops grown under different light environments.
Process and analyse data from proximal sensors (e.g. chlorophyll fluorescence, hyperspectral reflectance, thermal) collected in laboratory experiments and/or crop field sites
Support experimental campaigns collecting sensor, gas exchange and trait data on of the crops grown under different spectral light environments.
Author peer-reviewed journal articles and communicate scientific results to collaborators and peers.
Take a lead role in the analysis and periodical reporting of the project results and findings.
Liaise closely with other academics, collaborators and administrators relevant to the study.
Plan own research schedule and workload within the project schedule to ensure that the overall project milestones and objectives are met.
Assist with co-supervision undergraduate/postgraduate project students and/or PhD students.
As a member of staff, you will be encouraged to make ethical decisions in your role, embedding the University sustainability strategy into your working activities wherever possible.
Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post.
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
Criteria | Essential or desirable | Stage(s) assessed at |
Have a PhD (or be close to completion/have equivalent postdoctoral level work experience) in remote sensing, plant science, computer science or a related field | Essential | Application |
Have experience or knowledge of plant science | Desirable | Application |
Experience in collecting, processing, analysing or using plant physiological data or sensor data | Essential | Application |
A familiarity with sensor instrumentation | Desirable | Application |
Experience with one or more programming languages (e.g., Python, R, Matlab, Fortran) | Essential | Application |
Previous experience running successful experimental campaigns or handling big data | Essential | Application |
Have sufficient depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline to deliver world class research | Essential | Application |
Preparedness to travel nationally and internationally for research collaborations and scientific conferences | Essential | Application |
Excellent interpersonal skills, oral and written communication skills in English | Essential | Application |
Ability work independently to develop skills needed to address the project tasks in a timely manner | Essential | Application |
Ability to work effectively as a team member in a multidisciplinary team that includes graduate students, post-graduate researchers, academics and professionals | Essential | Application |
Further Information
Grade | 7 |
Salary | £38,784 - £41,064 per annum |
Work arrangement | Full-time (100% FTE) |
Duration | Available from 1 April 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) for 12 months |
Line manager | Professor of Plant Biology |
Direct reports | None |
Our website | School of Biosciences |
For informal enquiries about this job contact Prof. Colin Osborne, Professor of Plant Biology, at c.p.osborne@sheffield.ac.uk or Dr. Holly Croft (Senior Future Leaders Fellow) at h.croft@sheffield.ac.uk |
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in the weeks following the closing date. This will consist of an interview and a presentation. A tour of the experimental facility can be provided on request. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage within two weeks of the advertised closing date. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact bioscienceshradmin@sheffield.ac.uk .
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).
What we offer
A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
Generous pension scheme.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women's and Parent's networks).
Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes; integrated with our Academic Career Pathways Framework.
A range of generous family-friendly policies
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
support for those going through the menopause
paid time off and support for fertility treatment
and more
More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).
We are a Disability Confident Employer. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
Closing Date : 12/02/26
We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience. Our University Vision ( www.sheffield.ac.uk/vision ) outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.