Research Fellow

Salary: As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 7 salary £41,671.

Hours: Full Time (open to applications for Part Time working)

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to April 2027

Fixed Term Research Fellow post to create and contribute to 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.

The project supports community-scale adaptation and inputs lived experience and citizen engagement into the assessment of intersectional climate risks and vulnerability. The Centre for Urban Wellbeing is pioneering this approach with Birmingham Voluntary Services Council, West Midlands Combined Authority and other partners. The research will work with 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 will deliver recommendations on policies and actions that are inclusive and can reduce climate-related inequalities.

Main duties

• Develop research methodologies to achieve objectives of the research with support of the principal investigator
• Collect research data through a variety of research method 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 School and Centre for Urban Wellbeing research-related activities and administration
• Provide guidance 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 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

Informal enquires to Professor Jessica Pykett, j.pykett@bham.ac.uk 

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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