Research Assistant (Biodiversity Evidence Synthesis)

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role
As part of the SAFELUX project, we are leading a transnational programme of research funded by the Conference of European Directors of Roads (CEDR) on ‘Road Lighting - The Light we Need'. Road lighting has a significant influence on our society but there is currently a lack of evidence on its impacts (both positive and negative) on the environment, road safety and energy consumption/light emissions. The aim of this project is to produce practical guidance on the implementation of sustainable road lighting across Europe's roads with a view to reducing illumination impacts on nature, mitigating skyglow, improving road safety and reducing energy consumption. This project will require a holistic approach to address a challenge that all European countries are facing in the midst of the current energy crisis.

We require a Research Assistant to support the work of Prof. Darren Evans and Prof. Gavin Stewart in the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences (SNES) who are leading a SAFELUX Work Package to gather and synthesise evidence of the impacts of street lighting on biodiversity (with a focus on plants, invertebrates and vertebrates, especially protected species). Evidence will be weighted and structured in such a way that it can be used for general guidelines and a user-friendly digital interface. With a proven track record in the field of Artificial Light at Night (ALAN), relevant evidence synthesis skills and experience of scientific publishing, the Research Assistant will attend high-level meetings and work as part of a multi-disciplinary team that includes road lighting and infrastructure professionals, road safety experts, lighting technicians and National Road Authority ecologists.

Key Accountabilities
The Research Assistant will play a key part in achieving the following objectives:

• Establishing, building and maintaining a project-specific Knowledge Network to ensure co-learning and co-design of the project.
• Reviewing both the primary and grey literature, including technical reports from National Road Authorities, in an appropriate structured manner, including analysis and evidence synthesis.
• Producing and maintaining a street light mitigation database that meets the requirements of the other project partners.
• Contributing ideas and suggestions to the draft road safety guidelines that balances the requirements for road safety, energy reduction and biodiversity conservation.
• Assisting in the preparation and writing of reports and manuscripts as part of the project tasks and milestones.

This is a fixed-term appointment (5 months) starting 1st September 2025.

To apply, please complete the online application and attach your CV and a covering letter. The cover letter should detail your relevant skills and experience to date, in line with the listed person specification for the role (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button).

For informal enquiries, contact Prof. Darren Evans via email: darren.evans@newcastle.ac.uk.

Qualifications

• Good honours degree (or equivalent) with some subject knowledge in the relevant area.
• Working towards or nearing completion of PhD in relevant subject/area.

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