Research Associate in Environmental Monitoring and Communication

Heriot-Watt University; Scotland; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

Heriot-Watt University seeks a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate to enhance mangrove rehabilitation efforts in Suriname and Guyana. This role involves data collection, community engagement, and collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, along with opportunities for international fieldwork and academic contributions.

Qualifications

• PhD or higher in relevant fields required.
• Experience in data interpretation and communication.
• Ability to lead community engagement initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage environmental data collection and analysis.
• Coordinate outreach activities and training on environmental monitoring.
• Contribute to academic publications and project evaluations.

Skills

Data management

Communication

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Initiative

Education

PhD in environmental sciences, communication, or related fields

Job description

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Research Associate in Environmental Monitoring and Communication, Midlothian

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Job Reference:

5f66749e1af1

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Posted:

02.06.2025

Expiry Date:

17.07.2025

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Job Description:

Job Title:Postdoctoral Research Associate in ‘Environmental Monitoring and Communication’

Directorate: School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS)

Contract Type: Full-time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term for 18 months

Grade and Salary: 7 (£36,023 - £45,585)

Organisation Name: Lyell Centre GRI

Purpose of the Role:

This position will enable active engagement between project academics, project partners, and stakeholders to support mangrove rehabilitation in Suriname and Guyana.

Detailed Description:

We seek a motivated Postdoctoral Research Associate with experience in environmental and sustainability research, specializing in ‘Environmental Monitoring and Communication’. The candidate should have a background in natural data collection and communicating scientific results to diverse audiences, including local communities and policymakers. The role involves leading data collection, quality assurance, visualization, and interpretation, and translating findings into civic science, educational programs, and policy recommendations. The position is based at the Lyell Centre at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, working with multidisciplinary teams from the UK and the University of Suriname.

The candidate will collaborate with social, technical, and environmental experts to integrate natural sciences into project activities, providing training and maintaining communication with the Suriname monitoring team.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:

• Coordinate communication among project partners and the wider society, establishing new interactions between community, government, business, and technology sectors. This includes managing project information, branding, and social media.
• Lead the collection and analysis of environmental monitoring data, ensuring quality and interpretation.
• Provide training on environmental monitoring and data archiving to the Suriname team.
• Manage a central project database for physical and environmental data, ensuring compliance with regulations.
• Collaborate with project teams, especially those focusing on gamification and social sciences, to maximize data outputs.
• Organize outreach activities such as lectures, community workshops, and symposia.
• Contribute to academic publications, focusing on environmental monitoring results.
• Assist in preparing project reports, evaluations, and reflections on impacts and lessons learned.

Additional duties may be assigned, and flexibility for international travel is expected.

About our Team:

The project, funded by the Global Centre on Biodiversity for Climate, aims to enhance coastal protection and biodiversity through mangrove rehabilitation in Suriname and Guyana. It involves mapping mangrove species, monitoring changes, and fostering stakeholder consensus using innovative technologies and community engagement.

Education, Qualifications & Experience:

Applicants should have:

• A PhD or higher in environmental sciences, communication, or related fields.

Relevant experience includes:

• Designing and leading engagement strategies connecting communities and stakeholders.
• Understanding climate-environment interactions.
• Willingness to undertake international fieldwork.
• Experience in environmental monitoring, data interpretation, and connecting natural and social sciences.
• Strong data management skills and experience with natural science data.
• Excellent communication and training abilities.
• Technical skills for managing online media presence.
• An academic publication record or equivalent portfolio.
• Interpersonal skills and teamwork.
• Initiative and problem-solving skills.
• Experience working in Suriname and Guyana, or similar contexts, is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of UK data guidelines and public scientific presentation experience.
• Proficiency in Dutch is advantageous.