Research Associate - Socio-ecological Systems of Mangroves

About the team or project:
This is an exciting opportunity to join a large interdisciplinary project co-designing nature-based solutions in coastal West Africa, working with an international team of social and environmental scientists. The project will work with coastal communities in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia to understand the consequences of past interventions to protect mangroves, assess the effectiveness of different mangrove landscapes at protecting communities from coastal flooding, and imagine different ways of living with mangroves in the future.

This project is funded by UKRI under their Equitable nature-based climate resilience in Sub-Saharan Africa program, and also involves researchers from Njala University (Sierra Leone), University of Manchester and University of Lincoln.

About the role:
We are seeking a postdoctoral research associate (funded to February 2027) to conduct socio-ecological research to support the co-design of mangrove nature-based solutions. You will develop skills in co-design methodologies, and collect and analyse qualitative interview and workshop data during fieldwork in Sierra Leone, Libera and Guinea. You will work closely with other members of the project team to shape the direction and delivery of the project, including working with environmental scientists. This project will involve spending time (several visits of around a month) conducting research in West Africa, and you will work with communities in these areas to co-design aspects of the research.

Please note, Interviews are provisionally planned to take place on 31st July 2024.

About the candidate:
We are looking for someone with experience in socio-ecological research, including qualitative social science research methods, who is willing to travel to collect data in West Africa. Prior experience of interdisciplinary research and experience working in Africa would be desirable.

The primary responsibilities of the PDRA will be to:

• Co-lead research activities in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia, including collecting and analysing interview and focus group data.
• Work with coastal communities to co-design research and explore different mangrove nature-based solutions.
• Collaborate with the other PDRAs on the project on interdisciplinary research.
• Lead on the writing and dissemination of project outputs through publications and presentations in conferences and workshops.

To apply:
If you would like to apply, please take the time to consider the criteria in the job description (available on the university's website, accessed by the 'Apply' button) and provide us with a CV and covering letter that demonstrates your suitability for the role.

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Martin Sullivan at martin.sullivan@mmu.ac.uk.

Manchester Met University is committed to creating an intentionally inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We understand the importance of having a diverse workforce and the benefits it can bring to ensuring diversity of thought and innovation in everything we do. We, therefore, encourage applications from our local and international communities, in particular people from ethnic minority groups, disabled people and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

Advert information