Research Associate in Social-Environmental-Technical Integration

A Research Associate position is available at the Centre for Environmental Policy as part of the Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials. This $150M, 10-year, multidisciplinary, global effort intends to deliver a step-change in the approach to materials extraction, use and reuse, in a way that is more environmentally, economically and socially sustainable in support of the Energy Transition. The Centre is hosted by Imperial College London and brings together Imperial, four global university partners (The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, The University of California, Berkeley, The University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, The Australian National University, Canberra) and Rio Tinto.

You will lead the development of Integrative Social-Environmental and Whole-System Assessment Methods. Together with project collaborators particularly those at the Australian National University, you will contribute to the co-design a social-environmental-technological integration framework for the Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials. These frameworks and methods will subsequently be taken up across the Centre as a whole.

There is a second Research Associate role as part of the Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials being advertised concurrently. If you feel that you are potentially qualified for both, please make sure that you make separate applications for each position.

What you would be doing:

You will be responsible for carrying out a research program on integrative social-environmental-technical concepts, frameworks and methods. You will be expected to engage with recent literature, co-develop novel methodological approaches, apply those methods as required. You will be expected to lead any reporting to the funders and submit publications to refereed journals. You will also have the opportunity to attend project meetings, with the possibility of international travel if required. Further, in collaboration with others, you will contribute to the co-design of a social-environmental-technological integration framework for the Rio Tinto Centre for Future Materials. At all times you will be expected to work closely with international project collaborators.

What we are looking for:

• Hold a PhD in any aspect of sustainability (environmental, societal, technological) or related disciplines
• Experience of working across the interface between physical, natural and social sciences and sectors, including with industrial partners/research sponsors
• Experience in the development and application of whole systems assessment methods and/or foresighting approaches, particularly those that can help integrate across multiple disciplines
• Background knowledge relating to the mining, materials or resource extraction industries would be helpful

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to be part of an international network of researchers collaborating on some of the grand social and environmental challenges facing mining and materials in the coming years
• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution
• Sector-leading salary and remuneration package (including 39 days off a year)
• Exciting and dynamic multidisciplinary research work environment.
• Potential opportunity to travel to attend international conferences, meetings and develop associated research networks.

Further Information

Candidates who have not yet officially been awarded their PhD will be appointed initially at Research Assistant (with a salary range of £41,694 to £44,888).

Interviews will be held in the last week of January 2025.

Starting date: 3^rd March 2025

If you require any further details on the role please contact: Prof Martin Dallimer - m.dallimer@imperial.ac.uk

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