Research Fellow - School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences - 104848 - Grade 7

Position Details

School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7, salary £41,421

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to April 2027

This post is also open to applications for Part Time working

Closing date: 26th November 2024

Travel may be required for this role

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of social science knowledge by undertaking evidence review, qualitative and Community Based Participatory Research within a research project to understand and improve place-based climate adaptation.

Community Based Participatory Research within climate action and adaptation seeks to support community-scale adaptation and input lived-experience and citizen engagement into the assessment of intersectional climate risks and vulnerability. The Centre for Urban Wellbeing at University of Birmingham is pioneering this approach in collaboration with Birmingham Voluntary Services Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and other partners. The research will work with a team of trained Community Researchers to examine barriers and opportunities for transforming neighbourhood, local and regional climate adaptation action. By better understanding the realities facing diverse communities, the research project will deliver recommendations on policies and actions that are inclusive and can reduce climate-related inequalities.

Role summary

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research methodologies to achieve objectives of the research with support of the principal investigator
• Collect research data through a variety of research methods including organising and facilitating World Café events, Climate Adaptation Charettes, focus groups, research interviews and literature reviews
• Collaborate with practice partners within the community and voluntary sector, local and regional authorities, and external research partners
• Analyse and interpret data which will be relevant to a practitioner audience, community members and in academic formats
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods, particularly in relation to co-design, reflective practice and collaborative analysis with trained Community Researchers
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School and Centre for Urban Wellbeing research-related activities and research-related administration
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Contribute to practice events and/or public engagement activities relevant to the project and Centre for Urban Wellbeing
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to environmental social science or environmental humanities, or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability in relation to qualitative data and participatory methods
• Understanding of relevant research and policy literatures on climate adaptation, environmental justice and political ecology
• Ability to positively engage with diverse communities and to co-ordinate inclusive research co-designed with community researchers
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Proven ability to publish research results in peer reviewed publications
• Ability to effectively collaborate with community and voluntary sector partners, policy agencies, external researchers and community members, and to translate research insights appropriate to each audience
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Professor Jessica Pykett, email: j.pykett@bham.ac.uk

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.

You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.