Conservation Scientist (Social Sciences) - Transforming Food-Farming Systems

Contract: 3 year Fixed-Term

The RSPB Centre for Conservation Science provides the evidence to help deliver RSPB’s conservation mission.

We have won funding for a three-year research project, “Just transformation of food-farming systems: reconciling net zero and other land-use ambitions” (JUSTLANZ), collaborating with the James Hutton Institute and the Universities of Leeds, Cambridge and Cranfield.

This exciting new project aims to develop transformative pathways for a just transition to net zero for the UK farming-food sector. Working with farmers and their communities, farming-food sector experts, policy experts, academics, agricultural and conservation organisations, JUSTLANZ integrates their knowledge with that from different academic disciplines.

JUSTLANZ will work in a pastoral landscape in each UK nation (Somerset Levels & Moors; Lough Erne; Upper Clyde Valley; and Gwent Levels) testing how a participatory, transdisciplinary, holistic research approach can help realise sustainable transitions while delivering multiple objectives.

About the role

We are looking for an enthusiastic social scientist to lead the JUSTLANZ research delivery in the Gwent Levels, collaborating closely with the Living Levels Landscape Partnership (LLLP). Working closely with LLLP’s farmer engagement officer, you will be expected to develop and nurture relationships of trust with the food-farming community in the Gwent Levels, which will entail spending substantial time in the field.

Working in collaboration with researchers across the natural and social sciences you will co-lead the research design, conceptually and methodologically in i) visioning and participatory scenario development with farmers and food-farming system actors, and ii) adaptive capacity of food-farming systems. You will ensure consistency and quality in research design and methods across all case studies in the four UK nations, including providing/engaging in knowledge-exchange activities with other team members where appropriate, and if required.

You will also be responsible for supporting the design of, and implementing, the rest of JUSTLANZ’s farming related research in the Gwent Levels. This will include working closely with three other post-doctoral researchers in the other UK case studies to deliver the project’s research programme on farmers’ values and attitudes, food-farming system adaptive capacity, and identification of just transformation pathways using a transdisciplinary approach.

Essential:

Proven scientific background (e.g. a PhD or equivalent experience managing a project) in a relevant subject or topic (e.g. sociology, ecological economics, political ecology, human geography)

Experience in qualitative social sciences research techniques (interviews, focus groups) and participatory research.

A strong background in participatory scenario planning, stakeholder engagement and transdisciplinary research

Good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines, manage competing demands and work effectively under pressure

Excellent written and verbal communication skills including academic writing and presentation skills

Ability to access remote locations not accessible by public transport

If you want your research to support a just transformation of UK food-farming systems that benefit nature, rural communities, and the environment, then this position is for you.

Closing date: 23:59, Sunday, 1st September 2024

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is eligible for sponsorship.

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