Research Associate (Natural Resources and Climate Change)

The University of Manchester is seeking a Research Associate for a 3-year project on land rights and climate change, based in Manchester, UK. The role involves developing qualitative research on the relationship between land rights and decarbonisation in Mexico, alongside a collaborative international team. Candidates will benefit from professional development opportunities and a supportive research environment. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered, but the position is primarily based on-site.
The Observatory for Forests and Just Transitions is a £1.3 million research programme, funded by the Ford Foundation. The Observatory will study the role land rights play in a just transition to a decarbonised future. Taking place over 3.5 years, the observatory team will combine large-scale geospatial and socioeconomic analyses with in-depth qualitative case studies in Mexico, Brazil and Ghana. A team of GDI researchers (Dr Johan Oldekop and Dr Charis Enns) will lead the observatory’s activities alongside co-investigators at the University of Manchester and the University of Ghana, the National Autonomous University of Mexico, and the Federal University of Pará in Brazil.

As part of this project, we are seeking to appoint a long-term (3 years, flexible start date in 2025) post-doctoral research associate based in the Global Development Institute (GDI) at the University of Manchester. Together with collaborators, you will develop a qualitative research programme to deepen understanding of the relationship between land rights, decarbonisation processes (e.g., critical mineral extraction) and environmental and socio-economic benefits at specific sites in Mexico. As an integral member of the broader Observatory team, you will also help implement the wider programme and its activities.

The primary criterion for appointment will be research excellence. You will be supported and mentored to develop a strong publication profile in a rapid developing research area, as well as benefitting from international network-building (e.g., through fully funded travel and conference attendance opportunities) and tailored professional development opportunities offered by the University of Manchester (e.g., PROSPER Postdoc Career Development Programme). You will also benefit from being part of a large group of multi-disciplinary researchers across diverse career stages within the Resources, Environment and Development research group in GDI.

Application Process

To apply for this position, candidates should complete an application via the University of Manchester’s job portal. When applying please ensure that you include the following information: (1) Curriculum Vitae, (2) Cover Letter explaining your experience and suitability for the role linked to the essential and desirable characteristics in the further particulars - paste the text of your cover letter into the free text box in the 'Additional Info' section of the application, and (3) Contact information for 3 professional references.

What you will get in return:
• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.

Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.

Any recruitment enquiries from recruitment agencies should be directed to People.Recruitment@manchester.ac.uk.

Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.

Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:

Name: Dr Charis Enns (Presidential Fellow in Socio-Environmental Systems)

Email: charis.enns@manchester.ac.uk

or

Name: Dr Johan Oldekop (Reader in Environment and Development)

Email: johan.oldekop@manchester.ac.uk

General enquiries:

Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk

Technical support:

https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home

This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.

Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.