Postdoctoral Research Associate in Energising Landscapes

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role
We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Associate with knowledge and experience in geospatial visualisation, participatory mapping and an interest in energy studies. The applicant will contribute for 12-months to a British-Academy-funded project ‘Energising Landscapes: lands, livelihoods, and energy infrastructures in Ghana'.

‘Energising Landscapes' seeks to explore the multidimensional land and livelihood challenges linked to large scale energy infrastructures in Ghana. The local impacts of energy projects are generally approached from specific resource types (petroleum, hydro-electric, solar, nuclear, etc), and in the African context, they are further hindered by limited information access regarding highly politicised infrastructures. This research, focusing on three case study sites in Ghana, takes an integrative approach to examine the multifaceted impacts of various energy projects on neighbouring communities.

The successful applicant will work with Dr William Otchere-Darko and Dr Raymond Abdulai (at Newcastle University) to deliver one of the project’s three work packages and will join an international and interdisciplinary project team (geography, engineering, anthropology and development studies).

We are looking for a self-motivated and adaptable researcher to join the team in conducting participatory and co-creative mapping workshops with communities on their everyday experiences of and interactions with energy infrastructures and landscapes in Ghana.

Experience of and capability in geospatial visualisation, participatory mapping and/or counter-cartography methods are essential. Knowledge, experience or background in geography, geoscience or geomatic engineering is also welcome. Knowledge of energy and land use studies is welcome but not essential.

The applicant will have responsibility for systematically reviewing masterplans and maps generating technical and non-technical maps as well as contributing to drafting papers and reports.

The applicant will be required to travel to Ghana for empirical fieldwork.

Please submit the following:

• Curriculum vitae and Covering Letter outlining your experience, strengths and capabilities for the position.
• A sample of writing (e.g. research article, dissertation chapter) evidencing mapping skills.

The post is full-time and fixed-term for 12 months, starting in April 2025. The nature of this role will require the successful candidate to work in Ghana and the UK (Newcastle University campus). Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates.

Informal queries to: Dr William Otchere-Darko, william.otchere-darko@newcastle.ac.uk.

As part of our commitment to career development for research staff, the University has developed 3 levels of research role profiles. These profiles set out firstly the generic competences and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and secondly the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level.

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