Research Scientist: Social Science

The Social, Economic and Geographical Sciences (SEGS) department contains a range of researchers, using a range of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods and often taking interdisciplinary and/or participatory perspectives. We seek to address major contemporary social and economic research challenges, including investigations of sustainable behaviours, place-based policy, natural resource governance, climate change, land use, natural capital and ecosystem services valuation, community vibrancy, and sustainability transitions.

Main Purpose of Job

We are seeking to appoint 4 postdoctoral researchers to complement our existing portfolio of expertise and skills. We have a large number of funded projects on our portfolio of work, and are looking for people who are keen to integrate with the teams delivering these projects, and help to develop discussions about future funded work as well. We anticipate that the postholders will contribute to the delivery of the Scottish Government’s Strategic Research Programme (2022-27), as well as other projects funded by other funders (e.g. EU, or UKRI). We will be looking to recruit a balance of skills and would welcome applications from people with social science skills covering quantitative, qualitative and mixed methods.

Main Duties of Postholder

• Research project design, management, reporting and administration
• Work in research teams to help deliver projects
• Undertake data collection, management, and analysis using appropriate techniques and software
• Write and submit articles for peer reviewed journals
• Assist in the process of applying for future funding for our research portfolio
• Contribute to the smooth running of an applied interdisciplinary social science department

Education/Experience/Skills

Essential

• PhD in a relevant social science discipline
• Interest in the work of the department and wider institute
• Potential to publish high quality, peer reviewed journal articles
• Strong team working skills
• Effective organisational and time management skills
• Strong oral communication skills

Desirable

• Experience working with both academic and non-academic stakeholders
• Track record of publication in academic journals
• Experience in applying for research funding
• Experience in designing and implementing mixed methods research
• Engagement in a relevant scholarly association/society
• An interest in working with other scientists beyond the social sciences (e.g. computational sciences, ecological sciences, etc.)
• An awareness of the open science movement, and an interest in applying open science principles within the social sciences

Additional notes/Requirements

• Interviews are likely to be held week beginning 20th Jan 2025, with an intended start date in April 2025.
• Please apply with your CV and covering letter through the online application system.
• Please note the minimum salary threshold for a Skilled Worker Visa is currently £38,700.00. If the advertised salary for this posts falls below this threshold, we regret to advise that we may not be able to provide a Certificate of Sponsorship to a non-UK citizen for this role. Applicants who do not meet the conditions to be sponsored as per the UK governments page will need to demonstrate an alternative right to work.

Closing date 7th Jan 2025

Benefits Offered

• Employee Assistance Programme- A confidential service available to support employees and their families with work or personal problems.
• Annual Leave – Generous entitlement up to 40.5 days a year, with guaranteed time-off for Christmas.
• Pension - Employer Contribution of 15% in a Personal Pension Plan and employee contribution flexibility.
• Self-managed hours and Flexible Working – options to structure your working time, in line with organisational needs, to create a healthy work life balance.