We are looking for an intellectually independent scholar to join the UKRI Frontier Research project “DAWN: Illuminating Deep Uncertainties in the Estimation of Irrigation Water Withdrawals, led by Dr Arnald Puy (University of Birmingham, United Kingdom). The successful candidate will design and drive a high-level strategy to position DAWN’s findings on deep uncertainty in global irrigation modelling within scientific, institutional and governance arenas. This includes designing stakeholder engagement strategies; fostering dialogue with policy-makers, assessment bodies and modelling initiatives; contributing to high-level public forums and using research communication (talks, policy briefs, media contributions) as instruments to reach key actors and reshape ongoing debates.

DAWN merges philosophy, anthropology, hydrology and mathematical modelling to unfold, analyze and assimilate the uncertainties ingrained in the modelling of global irrigation water demands. See the DAWN webpage for more information about the project’s rationale. Its conceptual track-record is also summarized in these publications [1–7].

We encourage applications from scholars whose trajectories do not sit comfortably within a single discipline. The ideal candidate holds a PhD in sustainability science, research communication,science and technology studies or environmental governance but above all demonstrate the intellectual courage to interrogate scientific modelling and operate across scientific and institutional boundaries. No specific number of postdoctoral years is required and women are specially encouraged to apply.

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Specific tasks

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The candidate will start in September 2026 and will hold a fixed term contract for two consecutive years. S/he will be based at the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham.

The main job will consist in:

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1.   Co-design the next phase of DAWN by developing strategic pathways to translate findings on deep structural uncertainty in global irrigation modelling into scientific, institutional and governance contexts.

2.   Critically engage with modelling practices to examine how assumptions and uncertainties shape estimates of irrigation water withdrawals and how these should be interpreted and communicated beyond academia.

3.   Lead the synthesis and dissemination of results through high-quality publications, policy briefs, invited talks and targeted engagement with policy-makers, modelling communities and relevant national and international institutions.

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The candidate is also expected to pursue its own research interests within the scope of DAWN and develop an independent scientific profile. Other responsabilities will include:

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1.  Develop research objectives and proposals forown or joint research.

2.  Contribute to writing bids for research funding.

3.   Provideguidance to DAWN PhD students where appropriate.

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Benefits

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Besides an exciting and caring interdisciplinary research environment, we also offer:

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1.  A progressive salary at grade 7, spinal point 28. Click here for more details.

2.  Funding available to cover attendance to congresses, workshops or training courses.

3.  Integration into an interdisciplinary team with a wide international network, with extraordinary opportunities for career development.

4.   An impressive range of benefits, including generous annual leave allowance, pension scheme, shopping discounts and more. Click here for more details.

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How to apply?

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Please send the following documents via e-mail to Dr Arnald Puy [a.puy@bham.ac.uk; with “DAWN: Postdoctoral Fellowship (Deep Uncertainty and Environmental Governance)” in the e-mail subject line]:

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1.  Covering letter (1 page max) outlining academic interests and reasons for undertaking this project.

2.  CV (5 page max) with details on your track record and publications.

3.   Details of two academic referees. Please note that we will not contact your referees for references. You must tell your referees to send their references to Dr Puy by e-mail.

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The closing date for applications in 12 April 2026. Please apply as soon as possible as we will evaluate applications as they come through. We reserve the right to remove the advert if a suitable candidate is found before the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in the third and fourth week of April 2026. The successful candidate is expected to take up the post in September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.

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The University of Birmingham

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The University of Birmingham (UoB) is a global top 100 university and a member of the elite Russell Group of UK universities. Over one third of the academic staff are from overseas, around 22% are from BAME backgrounds and 5% have a declared disability. Diversity is understood as a strength and UoB aims at providing a welcoming environment for all members of the University Community.

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The city of Birmingham

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The second largest city in the UK and the youngest city in Europe, Birmingham is one of the best places to live in the UK. A cultural melting pot, it boosts great theatres, museums, the world famous City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, more canals than Venice and outstanding concert venues.

Birmingham offers almost everything you would want from a big city while enjoying a relatively moderate cost of living. For instance, housing prices are c. 170% cheaper than in London (and a pint can be 70% cheaper!). The c. 8,000 acres of award-winning green spaces and parks (such as Cannon Hill, Highbury Park or Kings Heath park) makes Birmingham the city with the largest green areas in Europe.

Birmingham has also been hailed as Britain’s “most exciting food destination” in the Good Food Guide, highlighting the extraordinary quality of its food scene –from its five restaurants with michelin stars to Balti, curry and independent cafes, bars and restaurants.

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References

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[1]    A.Puy, E. Borgonovo, S. Lo Piano, S. A. Levin, and A. Saltelli. “Irrigated Areas Drive Irrigation Water Withdrawals”. Nature Communications 12.1 (2021), p. 4525. doi: 10.1038/s41467-021-24508-8.

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[2]    A.Puy, B. Lankford, J. Meier, S. van der Kooij, and A. Saltelli. “Large Variations in Global Irrigation Withdrawals Caused by Uncertain Irrigation Efficiencies”. Environmental Research Letters 17.4 (2022), p. 044014. doi: 10.1088/1748-9326/ac5768.

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[3]    A.Puy, M. Massimi, B. Lankford, and A. Saltelli. “Irrigation Modelling Needs Better Epistemology”. Nature Reviews Earth & Environment (2023). doi: 10.1038/s43017023-00459-0.

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[4]    A.Puy and B. Lankford. “The Water Crisis by the Global Commission on the Economics of Water: A Totalising Narrative Built on Shaky Numbers”. Water Alternatives 17.2 (2024).

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[5]    A.Puy, P. Beneventano, S. A. Levin, S. Lo Piano, T. Portaluri, and A. Saltelli. “Models with Higher Effective Dimensions Tend to Produce More Uncertain Estimates”. Science Advances 8.42 (2022), eabn9450. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.abn9450.

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[6]    A.Puy, R. Sheikholeslami, H. V. Gupta, J. W. Hall, B. Lankford, S. Lo Piano, J.Meier, F. Pappenberger, A. Porporato, G. Vico, and A. Saltelli. “The Delusive Accuracy of Global Irrigation Water Withdrawal Estimates”. Nature Communications 13 (2022), p. 3183. doi: 10.1038/s41467-022-30731-8.

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[7]    A.Puy, S. N. Linga, N. Wei, S. Flinders, B. Callow, G. Allen, B. Cross, C.Aguiló-Rivera, and B. Lankford. “Widely Cited Global Irrigation Statistics Lack Empirical Support”. PNAS Nexus 4.11(2025), pgaf323. doi: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf323.

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