Research Associate in Human-Centred Engineering for Climate Resilience

The University of Edinburgh; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 41,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious university in Scotland seeks a Research Associate to lead cutting-edge research aimed at integrating social values with engineering practices to tackle climate change. The role requires a PhD in a relevant field and a strong research background. Candidates will engage with various stakeholders and propose research topics. This position offers a competitive salary, a vibrant working environment, and comprehensive benefits, contributing to innovative solutions in response to climate disruptions.

Benefits

Generous holiday entitlement

Defined benefits pension scheme

Flexible work options

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering, Environmental Science, Social Science or related field linked to climate change.
• Proven research track record in climate-related and socially impactful fields.
• Experience working across disciplines and engaging stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Lead transdisciplinary research exploring engineering responses to climate change.
• Collaborate across disciplines with external partners.
• Shape a cutting-edge research agenda with real-world impact.

Skills

Research track record

Strong communication skills

Ability to work independently

Experience engaging stakeholders

Education

PhD in Engineering, Environmental Science or related field

Job description

GradeUE07: £41,064.00- £48,822.00 per annum

School of Engineering, College of Science & Engineering

Institute for Infrastructure and Environment

Full time: 35 hours per week

Fixed Term: up to 24 months

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Research Associate to lead transdisciplinary research exploring how engineering can better respond to climate change by integrating social values, lived experience, and environmental priorities into design and decision-making.

You will build on knowledge emerging from Failure Modes of Engineering activities, collaborating across disciplines and with external partners to co-produce research that advances equitable, resilient, and context-sensitive engineering practice in response to climate disruptions.

You will also join a dynamic, supportive and interdisciplinary environment within Failure Modes of Engineering (FeME). FeME offers opportunities to shape a cutting‑edge research agenda with real‑world impact and to collaborate with researchers, practitioners and communities across the UK and internationally. FeME is a Network Plus project funded by EPSRC, and a collaboration between the Universities of Edinburgh, Glasgow and Heriot‑Watt. We have funding for 3 years to expand and nurture a network for researchers and practitioners working on these important challenges.

Your skills and attributes for success

• PhD in Engineering, Environmental Science, Social Science or related field linked to climate change, or equivalent industrial experience
• Proven research track record in climate‑related, socially impactful, or engineering‑focused fields
• Experience working across disciplines and engaging stakeholders or communities in research
• Strong communication and publication skills, with the ability to reach diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently, manage priorities, and collaborate effectively within a team

Click here to view a copy of the full job description

Application Information

Please apply enclosing a CV and cover letter including the following:

Potential research themes

We would like candidates to propose topics that they would like to explore in this post. In your cover letter, please state two or three potential topics that you would like to develop and co‑create with the FeME network. Candidates may propose or develop research in areas such as (please note that this list is not exhaustive and we are providing it as guidance only):

• Climate adaptation engineering: How can engineering systems be designed to adapt to unpredictable climate disruptions keeping society at the core?
• Inclusive design and co‑creation: What methods best integrate community knowledge and lived experience into engineering?
• Failure analysis in socio‑technical systems: How do social, ecological, and technical factors interact in engineering failures?
• Resource‑constrained innovation: How can engineering solutions be developed under conditions of scarcity and uncertainty?
• Ethics and equity in engineering: What frameworks support ethical decision‑making in climate‑sensitive engineering contexts?

As a valued member of our team, you can expect

• A competitive salary
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, such as a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family‑friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.

Championing equality, diversity and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages.

The University may be able to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role. This will depend on a number of factors specific to the successful applicant.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 9th February 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm GMT. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interviews dates to be confirmed.