Research Associate Carbon Management (Peatlands, Food & Farming)

Manchester Metropolitan University; Manchester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking an enthusiastic researcher to evaluate the sustainability of innovative food and farming systems. This role involves assessing pilot projects for their effectiveness in conserving peatlands and reducing carbon emissions. The ideal candidate will hold a doctoral degree or equivalent and possess strong skills in environmental impact evaluation. This position offers opportunities for a diverse and inclusive work environment with flexible arrangements.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Inclusive culture of belonging

Qualifications

• Hold or be working towards a doctoral degree in a relevant area.
• Proficiency in techniques for environmental and financial impact evaluation data.
• Broad knowledge of carbon management and sustainable farming techniques.

Responsibilities

• Evaluate the impact of pilot projects on food management systems.
• Assess effectiveness in conserving peatlands and reducing emissions.
• Consider social and financial impacts and barriers to deployment.

Skills

Environmental impact evaluation

Carbon management

Data analysis and presentation

Education

Doctoral degree or equivalent experience

Job description

About the Role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join an enthusiastic and successful team researching the sustainability of innovative food and farming systems in the Department of Natural Sciences in the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Manchester Metropolitan University.

The focus of this role is to evaluate the impact of pilot projects addressing different aspects of food, farming, and land management systems (e.g. sustainable farming & paludiculture, peat alternatives, food waste management). In addition to assessing the effectiveness of these projects in conserving peatlands and reducing carbon / greenhouse gas emissions, the evaluation will also consider social and financial impacts, success factors, barriers and how they might be overcome, and the potential for deployment at scale.

About the Department:

The Department of Natural Sciences is a thriving hub of interdisciplinary research focused on tackling global challenges associated with clean energy, environmental change and sustainability, species conservation, healthy ageing, and socioeconomic, cultural and political change. The Department ranked 5th for the real-world impact of our research in the Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences category of the UK's most recent Research Excellence Framework review (REF2021).

Ideal Candidate

You will have:

• Hold or be working towards a doctoral degree (or equivalent experience) in a relevant area and evidence of continual professional development.
• proficiency in the application of techniques for the collection, analysis and presentation of environmental, social and financial impact evaluation data
• broad knowledge of carbon management and accounting, where specific knowledge of land-based carbon management and sustainable farming approaches and techniques are highly desirable

Application & Assessment

• For an informal discussion regarding the requirements of the role please contact Dr Chris Field, Reader in Environmental Ecology ([e-mail]) and Dr Rachel Dunk, Professor of Climate and Carbon Management ([e-mail]).
• Those shortlisted will be invited to an assessment round comprising of a presentation and interview.
• Interviews will be held on Friday, 17 October

Find out more about our story and explore our campus!

Manchester Metropolitan University fosters an inclusive culture of belonging that promotes equity and celebrates diversity. We value a diverse workforce for the innovation and diversity of thought it brings and welcome applications from all local and international communities, including Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

We support a range of flexible working arrangements, including hybrid and tailored schedules, which can be discussed with your line manager. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process or in your role, please let us know so we can provide appropriate support.

Our commitment to inclusivity includes mentoring programmes, accessibility resources, and professional development opportunities to empower and support underrepresented groups.

Manchester Met is a Disability Confident Leader and, under this scheme, aims to offer an interview to disabled people who apply for the role and meet the essential criteria as listed in the attached Job Description for that vacancy.