Postdoctoral Research Associate on equitable adaptation pathways for climate mobilities

About us 

Based centrally on the Strand Campus of King’s College London, the Department of Geography is a vibrant hub of multi-disciplinary scholarship that seeks to address the most pressing issues facing our world today. Drawing together a unique cohort of scholars, the Department includes expertise in the physical and social science dimensions of climate change, water, urban sustainability, risk and resilience and emerging economies

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional transdisciplinary researcher to work with the Greater London Authority’s adaptation, resilience and migration teams, and the communities they serve, to understand the intersecting vulnerabilities to climate, housing precarity and citizenship. The researcher will work with those most typically marginalised in discussions on adaptation to climate change, to produce visions of well-adapted futures through the lens of housing and residency precarity.

This research constitutes the UK case study of an international, multi-partner project, led from Carleton University in Canada called Transforming places for the precariously housed: Equitable adaptation pathways for climate mobilities. The researcher will work closely with post-doctoral research associates in the other case study locations of Durban, South Africa, Kathmandu, Nepal and Iqaluit, Canada to produce synthetic outcomes.

We are seeking a researcher with a commitment to justice-oriented co-production within research, and experience in implementing arts-based and community-led research. The role will involve co-designing and implementing novel research activities, as well as analysing findings in collaboration with the GLA and project partners.

This is a full-time post (35 Hours per-week), and you will be offered a fixed-term contract until 31 August 2026. Part-time employment may be considered.

About you

To be successful in this role, we are looking for candidates to have the following skills and experience: 

Essential criteria

• PhD in social science, human geography or cognate discipline
• Expertise in transdisciplinary research methods, including using arts-based approaches
• Experience managing stakeholder relationships & working in a practitioner/policy context
• Track record in publishing scientific articles
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, including to diverse audiences
• Proven ability to work independently
• Experience working with diverse populations

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working collaboratively in an international and interdisciplinary context
• Expertise in climate change vulnerability and adaptation
• Expertise in housing precarity, social marginalisation, or migration and mobilities
• Good understanding of intersectionality 

Downloading a copy of our Job Description

Full details of the role and the skills, knowledge and experience required can be found in the Job Description document, provided at the bottom of the next page after you click “Apply Now”. This document will provide information of what criteria will be assessed at each stage of the recruitment process.

Please note that this is a PhD level role but candidates who have submitted their thesis and are awaiting award of their PhDs will be considered. In these circumstances the appointment will be made at Grade 5, spine point 30 with the title of Research Assistant. Upon confirmation of the award of the PhD, the job title will become Research Associate and the salary will increase to Grade 6.

Further information

We pride ourselves on being inclusive and welcoming. We embrace diversity and want everyone to feel that they belong and are connected to others in our community. 

We are committed to working with our staff and unions on these and other issues, to continue to support our people and to develop a diverse and inclusive culture at King's.

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