Senior Research Assistant - Social Sciences

The RSPB Centre for Conservation Science is responsible for the science that informs delivery of the RSPB's conservation programmes for inspirational species, habitats and landscapes. We are seeking an enthusiastic Senior Research Assistant (social sciences) to conduct qualitative research on nature friendly farming in agricultural landscapes. Through participatory and qualitative research, you will directly support the development of a landscape conservation initiative with farmers in the Ely Nature Friendly Farming Zone. This and the wider research in farming landscapes will inform RSPB's food and farming portfolio on integrated strategies to support farmers deliver nature friendly food.

Reference: MAY20232922
Location: David Attenborough Building, Cambridge
Salary: £28,331.00 - £30,415.00 Per Annum
Duration: 12 months, Full time for 37.5 hours per week

What's the role about?

This exciting 1-year position will provide research assistance to a project exploring the social dimensions of nature friendly farming in three farming landscapes in the UK. One landscape will be an arable farming landscape in the Fens, where you will work with farmers of the Ely Nature Friendly Farming Zone, RSPB ecologists, GIS analysts and other experts to develop a participatory landscape conservation map and plan. The other farming landscapes are likely to include upland livestock or dairy in Wales, Scotland, or possibly Northern Ireland.

The successful candidate will collect data through interviews and participatory workshops on the multiple factors that influence nature conservation on farmland, from individual farms to whole landscapes. You will liaise with farmers and other stakeholders, organise and conduct interviews, as well as assist in the facilitation of participatory mapping workshops. You will assist in the management and analysis of qualitative data, support the development of a landscape conservation plan and input into a report for one of the funders. The research findings from the three farming landscapes will lead to advice and recommendations on how to best support and facilitate wildlife conservation and sustainable farming across landscapes and what leverage and support mechanisms are most appropriate.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• A degree in social sciences (e.g. Anthropology, Human Geography or Sociology, or related fields) or equivalent experience.
• Conducting qualitative interviews.
• Managing qualitative data.
• Organising stakeholder workshops.
• Liaising and communicating with a wide range of stakeholders.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• Self-motivated and able to work effectively alone, and as part of a team.
• Ability to travel to remote, rural locations.

The successful candidate will be based in Cambridgeshire, with an opportunity to work from the RSPB office at the Cambridge Conservation Initiative’s David Attenborough Building, as, and if, required. The successful candidate will be expected to travel to conduct research in other rural farming areas in the UK.

Closing date: Sunday 11th June
Interviews: from Thursday 22 June

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.

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