Post Doctoral Research Fellow

Post-Doctoral Research Fellow - Watching the Disaster Unfold: Geographies of Engagement with Live-Streamed Extreme Weather.

About the role

The University of Plymouth seeks a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow on a fixed-term basis to work on the ESRC funded project ‘Watching the Disaster Unfold: Geographies of Engagement with Live-Streamed Extreme Weather’.

The project examines how emerging digital technologies with live-streaming capabilities are generating new opportunities to engage with extreme weather (including floods, storms and hurricanes). These streams include those produced by social media users (‘weather influencers’), those produced by repurposing existing webcam infrastructures (such as airport or beach cameras), and those generated by government agencies (as means of risk communication). The project aim is to examine the emotional and behavioural geographies of their production and consumption.

The role will involve employing interview and participatory research methods to meet that project aim. You will support UK and international data collection and analysis (including international travel), co-organise and contribute to project activities and events, and disseminate research findings at conferences, in writing, and through project specific media. You will also play an active part in developing impact, thus developing your own research and practitioner networks. Funding is included for personal and research development opportunities to be undertaken during the role. 

You will be based at Plymouth, working with Dr Simon Dickinson – the project Principal Investigator.

What we’re looking for

You will:

• hold a PhD in Human Geography or a related discipline;
• have knowledge of digital geography, disaster risk management or a cognate research area (see Job Description);
• have experience of undertaking qualitative research and analysis.

Full details are contained within the Job Description for the role.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact:

Dr Simon Dickinson by email (simon.dickinson@plymouth.ac.uk).

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for up to 18 months due to funding.

For this role, you will need to be on site 2 days a week. Although we can accommodate hybrid working, flexibility to be on-site will be expected depending on business needs.

There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.

About us

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you’ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today’s global challenges.

Application Process

Please apply online, demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training, and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

Following the closing date, you will be notified on the outcome of your application in due course.

Anticipated Interview Date(s): 7^th May 2025

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