Research Associate (Knowledge Exchange)

Salary: £34,866 - £36,924 per annum

Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits. We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you.

Closing Date: 21 November 2024

The Role

We are offering an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to make a key contribution to the UKRI-funded Land Use for Net Zero project ‘RESPECT’ (Rapid Engagement with Stressed Peatland Environments and Communities in Transformation). Based within the Centre for Rural Economy at Newcastle University and working with Dr Amy Proctor (line manager) you will lead on all knowledge exchange activities within this large interdisciplinary project which includes a team of researchers from the Universities of Newcastle, Glasgow, Hull and Stirling.

RESPECT is a £4.5m project which aims to produce data, methods, landholder tools and proposals for governance reforms to change agricultural practices on peatland and reduce emissions from land use. The project will collate data through novel interdisciplinary collection, modelling and engagement methods. You will have a key integrating role within the team, working with PDRAs across four work packages to synthesise findings and liaise with the wider LUNZ hub. You will be responsible for the implementation of the project’s impact strategy and assist with all knowledge exchange and engagement activities.  

This opportunity is offered on a part time basis 0.5FTE which equates to 18.5hours per week.

As part of this role there is an expectation that you can be available to travel throughout the UK for events and project meetings as required.

For more information or informal enquiries, please contact Dr Amy Proctor at amy.proctor@newcastle.ac.uk.

For further details on the School please visit our web page at: Our Research | School of Natural and Environmental Sciences | Newcastle University
 

Key Accountabilities

• Work across work packages to support the synthesis of findings and feed into key project outputs including tools and workshops
• Take a leading role in integrating the work of the PDRAs within the project to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the project
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in activities of the research project, university and broader LUNZ research consortium
• Facilitate effective knowledge exchange between research and engagement activities
• Support dissemination of findings from RESPECT to various stakeholders throughout the project via reports, presentations, group discussions and workshops.
• Plan and deliver the stakeholder engagement programme of events and activities
• Liaise with the LUNZ hub as well as key project partners and collaborators to ensure the research generates significant and far-reaching impacts
• Assist in evaluating the effectiveness and impact of the stakeholder engagement programme
• Manage external project communications including internet and social media
• Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of Newcastle University and the project, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and join publications of international quality
• Be available for travel throughout the UK (to attend events and project meetings)

The Person 

Knowledge, Skills, and Experience 

• General substantive knowledge and understanding of recent research in any of the following: peatland restoration/rural/agricultural/environmental/sustainability science policy areas 
• Experience of working in interdisciplinary research teams 
• A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences 
• Strong track record in stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange including experience of carrying out public engagement and communicating research imaginatively to a wide range of audiences 
• Excellent organisational and planning skills
• Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills including the ability to write effectively for a range of non-specialist audiences and develop content for websites, blogs and social media platforms

Attributes and Behaviour 

• Personal motivation and drive
• Thrives in a project environment with the ability to work to tight deadlines
• The ability to work independently and collaboratively with colleagues across institutions online and in-person 
• The ability to work autonomously and the confidence to lead
• Good attention to detail
• Is a natural problem solver

Qualifications

• Completed PhD in a relevant field such as geography, ecology or environmental studies (Essential for Research Associate)
• Alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience

Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.  As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution.

We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society.  We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent.  We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population.

At Newcastle University we hold a silver Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality.  We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC.  We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme.

In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. 

Requisition ID: 27738