Spatial Analyst

The Senior Spatial Analyst will provide specialist geospatial expertise within the Natural Capital Hub, leading the development and delivery of high-quality spatial analysis to support natural capital assessments, ecosystem service modelling, and evidence-based environmental planning. The postholder will be responsible for producing robust spatial data, maps, and analytical outputs that underpin research, policy development, and practical decision-making across the Hub's projects.

Working collaboratively with the natural capital hub team, project partners, and external stakeholders, the Senior Spatial Analyst will play a key role in advancing innovative approaches in geospatial analysis and ensuring that the Hub's work delivers impactful, accessible, and scientifically rigorous insights. The role will also contribute to developing analytical methods, supporting project delivery, and enhancing LJMU's leadership in natural capital and spatial data innovation., Spatial Analysis and Technical Leadership

• Lead the design, development, and delivery of spatial analyses that support natural capital assessment, ecosystem service modelling, and nature-based solution planning.

• Develop and maintain advanced spatial workflows, datasets, and geospatial models to support research and decision-making.

• Provide expert technical guidance on spatial data standards, methodologies, and best practice within the Hub and across partner organisations.

• Oversee quality assurance processes for spatial outputs, ensuring accuracy, reproducibility, and compliance with relevant standards.

Project Delivery and Coordination

• Lead spatial components of research and innovation projects, ensuring delivery of high-quality mapping, modelling, and technical outputs.

• Work with the hub lead, project officer, and other analysts to plan spatial analysis workstreams, allocate resources, and monitor progress against milestones.

• Produce detailed spatial reports, technical documentation, and visual outputs to inform policy, planning, and investment decisions.

Research, Innovation, and Impact

• Contribute to the development of new analytical methods, models, and approaches that enhance the Hub's natural capital and ecosystem services work.

• Lead or contribute to academic publications, conference presentations, and impact case studies based on spatial analysis outputs.

• Identify opportunities for innovation and continuous improvement in spatial data science, geospatial modelling, and decision-support systems.

Strategic Support and Development

• Provide strategic input into the growth and direction of the Natural Capital Hub, particularly regarding spatial analysis and natural capital metrics based activity.

• Support funding applications and project proposals by defining spatial analysis components, methodologies, and resource needs.

• Ensure the Hub remains aligned with emerging spatial data policies, technologies, and national environmental priorities.

Operational Responsibilities

• Oversee the management of software licences, cloud-processing environments, and analytical tools.

• Provide supervision and mentorship to analysts, technicians, and student researchers working on spatial projects.

• Support activities to ensure relevant ethical, data-security, and governance standards.

Values and Regulations

• Any other duties commensurate with the grade as deemed necessary by the Director of the School of Biological and Environmental Sciences.

• A commitment to LJMU's values and regulations and Diversity and Inclusion Policy.

• Commitment to adhere to and promote the ethos of Respect Always as set out in the Respect Always Charter.

• Liverpool John Moores University recognises and is aware of its Social, Economic and Environmental responsibilities. The post holder is required to minimise the environmental impact in the performance of the role, contribute to (and supervise if applicable) the implementation of environmental improvement measures and actively contribute to the delivery of LJMU's Environmental Management, Energy

Management and Sustainability Policy Statement, and the Climate and Sustainability Plan.

• The post-holder's mandatory Health and Safety responsibilities, which have been agreed by the University's Executive Leadership Team, are contained in Section 2 of the University's Safety Management Code of Practice (MCP1) Organisation for the Implementation of the Health and Safety Policy. The post-holder's mandatory Environmental Management responsibilities are contained in Section 2 of the University's Environmental Management Code of Practice (ECP1) Organisation for the Implementation of the Environmental Management and Sustainability Policy.

• For some of your activity, from time to time, you may be required to contribute to externally funded projects such as research or EU projects.

• LJMU are committed to adhering to the principles set out in the Researcher Development Concordat; in line with this all fixed-term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (prorata).

The person specification describes the skills, experience, knowledge and aptitude required to perform the duties of this post effectively. The criteria order listed should not be taken to imply their relative importance. Both paid and unpaid experience may be relevant., * Degree in a relevant field: Geography, Environmental Science, A Ecology, Data Science, Geospatial Analytics, or a related discipline. Experience A, I

• Significant experience conducting advanced spatial analysis and geospatial modelling in a professional, research, or applied project environment.

• Experience applying spatial methods in environmental planning, natural capital assessment, ecosystem services, or land-use analysis.

• Track record of producing high-quality spatial outputs including maps, visualisations, reports, or decision-support materials.

• Experience working with multiple stakeholders and presenting spatial insights to technical and non-technical audiences. Knowledge: A, I, P

• Understanding of natural capital concepts, ecosystem services, valuation approaches and nature markets.

• Knowledge of UK environmental policy, sustainability strategies, and nature-based solutions. Skills: A, I, P

• Proficient in using programming languages for spatial data processing alongside GIS platforms to deliver sophisticated geospatial analysis and visualisation.

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, including validation and quality assurance of spatial datasets.

• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, while producing high quality outputs and meeting deadlines.

• Ability to translate complex outputs into clear, accessible insights for diverse audiences.

• Ability to communicate and work effectively with partners and stakeholders., * Proactive, self-motivated, and able to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Adaptability to manage changing project needs and stakeholder priorities.

• Attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality outputs.

• Commitment to LJMUs values and regulations, including the Diversity A, I and Inclusion Policy., * Postgraduate Degree (MSc PhD) in a related discipline. Experience: A, I

• Experience contributing to funding bids or business development activities.

• Experience supervising junior staff, interns, or student researchers. Skills:

• Skills in data visualisation, digital mapping platforms, or interactive A, I web-GIS tools.

• Experience working within cloud or high-performance geospatial computing environments.

Personal Attributes: A, I

• Creative and innovative approach to developing new analytical methods or tools.

• Interest in contributing to the long-term development and impact of the Natural Capital Hub.

Financial benefits: Competitive salaries based on a low contractual 35 hour working week. 17.5% employer contributions to pensions for non-academic staff enrolled into Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS). 28.68% employer contribution to pensions for teaching staff enrolled into the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS).

Work life balance: Excellent annual leave provision. 30 days for support staff and 35 days for staff and senior managers grade 8 and above. 8 UK bank holidays and up to 5 University closure days between Christmas and New Year. Family friendly policies and a range of benefits to support including job-shares, flexible working hours and part-time roles where possible.

Health and wellbeing: Regular wellbeing support initiatives throughout the year. Access to a trained counsellor via Employee Assistance Programme (EAP). Plus a programme of activities and range of support and resources to help look after your mental and physical wellbeing.

Career Benefits: Continuous development opportunities to enhance your knowledge and meet your career ambitions, including LinkedIn Learning.

Making a difference: LJMU Climate Action - be at the forefront of initiatives to tackle climate change. Share experiences and challenge unfair practices with our Diversity and Inclusion Staff Networks. Opportunity to volunteer at graduation ceremonies, clearing and open days.

Discounts and other benefits: A reward and benefits platform, giving savings on day-today purchases across a range of retail outlets. Interest free loans repayable across twelve monthly instalments, including loans for annual travel season tickets and cycle to work scheme. Massively discounted gym and fitness classes at the University Sport Building.

Location: Hybrid working, Byrom Street Liverpool and home working, although staff may be asked to work in any location within the University. There is an expectation of at least 3 days per week in the office Introduction: Liverpool John Moores University is looking to recruit a Senior Spatial Analyst to support its Natural Capital Hub. We are seeking applicants with strong technical expertise in spatial analysis and geospatial data, alongside the ability to work effectively with external partners. The Natural Capital Hub is a research and knowledge-exchange group working to deliver innovative solutions for embedding natural capital approaches. The Hub collaborates with a wide range of partners, including government departments and agencies, combined and local authorities, landowners, and conservation organisations, contributing to nationally and regionally significant projects. The Hub is a key part of the Liverpool Research Institute for Climate and Sustainability (LiRICS).