This post is part of a €41.3 million Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water. This is a new international collaborative Co-Centre working across 14 partner academic institutions in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Great Britain.
The post based at Atlantic Technological University in Galway, involves working at the interface between research and policy on the interlinked challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and water degradation. The Co-Centre will function as an integrated system of fundamental research platforms, industry-linked spokes, and cross-cutting activities.
The post holder will work within the Co-Centre Policy Response Unit which will provide research to underpin government policy for an integrated response to the climate, biodiversity and water challenges with a focus on land use.
The Policy Response Unit aims to provide a new model for the generation and collation of policy-relevant evidence, drawing on the interdisciplinary expertise of the academic leads and research teams employed across the Co-Centre to provide research support to underpin government policy.
The unit will co-design policy relevant projects with government stakeholders to deliver rapid response reports on evidence to underpin policy for climate, biodiversity and water action.
- Minimum of PhD in environmental science, ecology, agricultural science or related discipline or exceptionally, equivalent* research experience (including industrial R&D).
- Strong research profile in either climate change, biodiversity, or water; or any combination of these areas.
.* EU defines PhD equivalent 4 years fulltime research after primary degree
Desirable experience and skills
- Knowledge of land use and environment policy in Ireland, UK or EU.
- Ability to engage and communicate with various stakeholders including academics, policy makers, industry and practitioners.
- Publication record in related research area and commitment to ongoing research and publications.
- Good project management skills.
- Previous experience of coordinating projects and writing project reports.
- Ability to work independently, using own initiative.
- Willingness to undertake additional training, when required.
- Valid EU Driver’s license.
Duties
As part of the project team, the successful candidate will undertake a range of research and associated tasks within the Co-Centre for Climate + Biodiversity + Water C. The main duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- Perform research and technical tasks including reviews and synthesising research findings across multiple disciplines in collaboration with Co-Centre colleagues.
- Convene expert synthesis/focus groups of academics and stakeholders to assemble the evidence base for different policy areas of relevance to Co-Centre work.
- Undertake primary data collection and analysis using a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods.
- Participate in regular meetings with the Co-Centre team to communicate project results and progress.
- Participate in Co-Centre dissemination and communication activities including presentation of research findings through writing journal articles, reports, website updates, newsletters, brochures etc.
- Presentation of research findings at relevant national and international conferences.
- Engaging with relevant stakeholders and overseeing outreach to different audiences.
- Undertake travel as required by the research project.
- Carry out additional administrative and reporting duties associated with the project.
- Preparation of funding proposals.
- Support the development of applied ecology and rural development research team at ATU.
- Ensure that project work is performed in line with Health and Safety and other relevant university policies.
- Maintain confidentiality of all background IP, foreground IP, and research results emerging from the project.
- Other duties may be assigned from time to time.
- The candidate must be prepared to travel both nationally and internationally in the execution of project activities
For further information concerning the position, please contact Dr James Moran, Dept of Natural Resources and the Environment, Atlantic Technological University james.moran@atu.ie.