Research Assistant: Nature-based Solutions

Join the University of East London – Shaping Futures for 125 Years

University of East London (UEL)  is a vibrant, diverse, and forward-thinking institution dedicated to transforming lives through exceptional education and career-focused opportunities. As a careers-first university, we have been proudly preparing students for the jobs of the future for 125 years.

UEL has always been at the forefront of innovation, and our ambitious Vision 2028 strategy underscores our commitment to reshaping education for the benefit of all. We empower students from all backgrounds with the skills and opportunities to excel in today’s dynamic world.

Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our achievements. We are proud to be recognised as the University of the Year for Teaching Quality in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Additionally, UEL ranks:

• 1st in London for Student Experience (National Student Survey 2024), and
• 3rd in London for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025).

At UEL, we don’t just teach; we inspire, innovate, and empower. Join us as we continue to shape the future.

About Us (Sustainability Research Institute):

Since its launch in 2001 UEL’s Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) has brought together research and development of innovative eco-efficient technologies and processes, focusing on changes in infrastructure that benefit the environment and promote a carbon-neutral society. Over the last ten years, the SRI has successfully delivered a wide range of publicly funded research projects, undertaken a number of consultancy contracts and contract research initiatives, and built an excellent local and international reputation by applying ground-breaking research and knowledge exchange in the real world.  

The SRI’s work focuses on a range of emerging research fields and pressing urban and rural sustainability challenges and is centred on three key themes:

• Blue/Green infrastructure: exploring how we conserve, restore, and manage our nature-based infrastructure assets to enhance the sustainability and resilience of our rural and urban environments.
• Sustainable Materials and Resources: developing a new generation of materials with lower carbon emissions and improved performance.
• Sustainable Society: collaborating with stakeholders, such as local communities and businesses, to empower them to engage in the sustainability transition

About You:

We are looking for a Research Assistant to provide key support to the Network Nature Task Force 2 work on Nature-Based Solutions. The RA will specifically work on a project exploring the use of impact evaluation on Horizon Europe funded Nature-based Solutions projects. As part of a Task Force project team, the role will include:

• Developing and distributing a survey to EU projects on their use of evaluation indicators
• Data collection
• Analysing responses, including individual follow-ups
• Hosting a team workshop to get consensus on findings and key outputs
• Crafting and disseminating a policy brief
• Finalising and submitting an open-access publication
• Evidencing that the project team have effectively collaborated with members of other Task Forces 

This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career researcher to join a multi-disciplinary team with prime responsibility for delivering a research project linked to EU-wide knowledge transfer using an established pathway to impact. You will be reporting to the SRI Director and will be working alongside SRI researchers and other researchers involved in the Network Nature Task Force to engage Nature-based Solutions researchers and practitioners across the EU. This role represents an excellent opportunity to develop new networks and comprehensive experience of a diversity of research skills.

The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to undertake review, survey and interview-based research. This will include experience of conducting data analysis on qualitative and/or qualitative data.

About the Role: 

• Develop and submit ethical approval application for the research project
• Run a workshop to co-develop the research approach
• Deliver a survey 
• Analysing responses
• Host a workshop to get consensus on findings and key outputs
• Develop a policy brief
• Lead the preparation of a publication
• Present progress back in Task Force meetings
• Interaction and communication with SRI and external partners

What you'll need to thrive:

To thrive in this role, candidates should bring:

• Education & Qualifications:
  A Master’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Social Science, or a related field. A PhD is desirable.

• Knowledge & Experience:
  Strong understanding of nature-based solutions, survey design, and data analysis (both qualitative and quantitative). Experience with impact evaluation, ethics applications, policy briefs, and scientific publications is a plus.

• Skills & Abilities:
  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to equality and diversity. Candidates should be self-motivated, well-organised, and capable of managing tasks independently and within a team.

Benefits Package:

At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture.

We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits.

You can explore our full benefits package here: https://uel.ac.uk/benefits-all-Research-positions

Building an Inclusive Future:

UEL is an inclusive equal opportunities employer and is proud of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion achievements, including a zero gender pay gap, membership in Stonewall, and winning Athena Swan awards. We expect all UEL employees to accept our EDI policy and will not tolerate discrimination in any form.

We're a disability confident employer and value all applications. Please let us know if you require any reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process.

If you're ready to join a University that values your outstanding skills and perspectives and is dedicated to making a difference, we invite you to explore a career with us. We are excited to welcome versatile individuals who are committed to advancing their careers while making a positive impact on the world.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the deadline if we receive many applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

To contact the recruitment team please phone +44 20 8223 3000 x 4600 or e-mail jobs@uel.ac.uk

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.