Postdoctoral Researcher – Water Data for People

RFCSR; Hull and East Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Hull invites applications for a fixed-term Postdoctoral Researcher – Water Data for People within the Energy and Environment Institute. The role focuses on surface water resilience, SuDS, and community engagement through the SuDSLab, linking academics with local authorities, water companies and the Environment Agency.

The successful candidate will design and lead engagement activities, monitor progress, and disseminate findings through publications and presentations, with a

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent research experience in a related field.
• Experience in education and/or science communication within a research context.
• Experience with community engagement and stakeholder collaboration.
• Knowledge of hydrological processes and water-related issues is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Design, lead and evaluate community and school engagement activities.
• Monitor project progress and report findings to partners.
• Disseminate research through publications and presentations.
• Collaborate with external partners including local authorities and water managers.

Skills

Participatory research methods

Public engagement

Science communication

Hydrological processes

Education

PhD in a relevant discipline

Job description

Postdoctoral Researcher – Water Data for People

University of Hull
Kingston upon Hull, United Kingdom

General Description – including all available relevant information of this position

The University of Hull is inviting applications for an exciting postdoctoral position within its internationally recognized Energy and Environment Institute (EEI). This role sits at the heart of the Water Data for People programme, part of the Doncaster, Immingham and Grimsby (DIG) Surface Water Resilience Project — a collaborative initiative bringing together academic researchers, local authorities, water companies and the Environment Agency. The successful candidate will contribute to a dynamic research agenda focused on surface water resilience, sustainable drainage systems (SuDS), and community-focused engagement through the University’s SuDSLab initiative. The role combines rigorous research with public engagement, leveraging hyper-local water data to improve water management, elevate public understanding of water issues and strengthen resilience to flooding and other hydrological challenges. Candidates will be involved in designing, leading and evaluating community and school engagement activities; monitoring and reporting on project progress; and disseminating research findings through publications and presentations. The position is fixed-term, running to 31 March 2027, with interviews expected in the week commencing 16 March 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to deliver a presentation as part of the selection process.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should hold a PhD in a relevant discipline or have significant experience in education and/or science communication within a research context. A demonstrated passion for water-related issues and experience working with communities are key. Enthusiasm for cross-disciplinary collaboration and the ability to work with external partners — including local authorities and water management stakeholders — will be vital to success in this role.

Required Expertise, Skills

Candidates should have expertise in participatory research methods, public engagement or science communication tailored to diverse audiences. Knowledge and understanding of hydrological processes and water-related issues is highly desirable. The role also requires strong organisational skills, the ability to engage proactively with stakeholders and to contribute to writing reports, policy briefs, academic articles and presentations for a growing research portfolio.

Salary Details – if available

This full-time role offers a salary of £39,906 per annum.

Application Deadline – if available

Applications close on 5 March 2026.