Research Associate (Fixed Term)

Applications are invited for a Research Associate position to work as part of the flagship NERC Centre for Landscape Regeneration (CLR).

The Centre for Landscape Regeneration is an ambitious programme of research that aims to  provide the knowledge and tools needed to regenerate the British countryside using cost-effective nature-based solutions that harness the power of ecosystems to provide broad societal benefits including biodiversity recovery and climate mitigation and adaptation. The focal landscapes for CLR are in the Fens (north of Cambridge), the Cairngorms National Park and the Lake District National Park. The Research Associate will be part of the social science team, working in partnership with colleagues from multiple departments within the University of Cambridge as well as a range of collaborating organisations.

The role holder will lead research into the way in which stakeholders in the study areas (including citizens, government, NGO staff, private sector actors and CLR project participants) perceive their  landscape, its usage and conservation. Building on the Future of Conservation Survey (Sandbrook et al., 2019) the role holder will develop a set of bespoke survey items to identify perspectives. These will then be used in a facilitated process to explore how actors in the study landscapes perceive conservation and related societal goals, and how these views align with, or differ from, those of the actors within the CLR project (academics and partners). These findings will be shared with project participants through facilitated workshops, helping to create a stronger basis for collaboration within the project team, and with stakeholders in the study landscapes. The role holder could work in all three landscapes, or could choose to focus on one.

Eligible candidates must have a PhD in Geography or a related discipline. A background in qualitative and quantitative analysis and of working with diverse actors in conservation landscapes is essential. Applicants must also have proven experience of publishing high-quality research articles. They must be highly motivated and should have excellent time management, organisational and communication skills, and be able to work well independently and as part of a team.

The successful candidate will be based in Cambridge, with significant periods of fieldwork at CLR locations. They will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of departmental and University activities, including the departmental 'Vital Geographies' research group, departmental seminars, and reading groups across the University. They will also have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of activities taking place in the David Attenborough Building, which is home to the Cambridge Conservation Initiative partnership of the University of Cambridge and ten international conservation NGOs and networks. 

To apply online for this vacancy and to view further information about the role, please click on the apply button above.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 30 months in the first instance.

Please quote reference LC38556 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.

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