Senior Research Associate

School of Environmental Sciences, in collaboration with School of Global Development, School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies

Salary on appointment will be £38,249 per annum, dependent on skills and experience, with an annual increment up to £45,413 per annum. 

An exciting opportunity is available for a Senior Research Associate to work with local communities in the East of England on coastal resilience, collaborating with academics at UEA and other institutions, applying participatory research methods and the arts.

The successful candidate will be part of the ARISE project team. You will liaise with coastal communities and the project team to design, develop and evaluate engagement events based on the Open Space method, which will be innovatively integrated with creating site-specific artworks. You will work closely with the UEA team based in the School of Environmental Sciences (Prof Irene Lorenzoni), School of Global Development (Dr Johanna Forster) and School of Politics, Philosophy and Area Studies (Dr Ben Little).

You will have excellent qualitative research skills, an ability to communicate with diverse groups, and experience of working collaboratively with stakeholders. You will work closely with the ARISE research team and communities throughout the eastern regions of the UK, to develop, apply and evaluate the Open Space interventions.

You will have a relevant postgraduate research degree, equivalent qualification or equivalent professional experience in participatory and / or social science research with a focus on communities. You will also have experience of independent research, a good understanding of the social challenges of coastal management in the UK and experience of working and engaging with communities and stakeholders. You will have proven evidence of working in an inclusive way with diverse communities and strong interpersonal and communication skills. You will have the ability to communicate complex information clearly, to use initiative, apply creativity, address challenges in research contexts, analyse and interpret data and work effectively as part of a team, with good time management.
 
This full-time post is available from 1 October 2025 on a fixed term basis for 18 months. 

UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days (pro rata for part-time), can be found on our benefits page.   

Closing date: 30 June 2025

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.

Advert information