Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking project exploring invasive weeds through innovative research and community engagement.
- Company: Durham University, a leader in human geography and environmental studies.
- Benefits: Gain valuable research experience, collaborate with experts, and contribute to impactful projects.
- Other info: Opportunity for fieldwork in the UK and abroad, with creative community involvement.
- Why this job: Make a difference in understanding our environment while developing your academic career.
- Qualifications: Experience in plant humanities, Critical Plant Studies, or political ecology is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking to appoint a 30-month Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Geography to work within the Leverhulme Trust funded project "Plants out of place: entanglements with 'invasive weeds' in the Anthropocene".
Plants out of place focuses on challenging conventional thinking about 'invasive weeds' through a transdisciplinary approach incorporating environmental humanities, vegetal cultural geographies, and political ecology. The project aims to advance new ways of thinking about and with weeds through three innovative interventions:
- A migrant ecology that questions 'invasion' narratives by tracing the histories of how weeds arrive in particular places;
- A decolonial ecology that challenges Western narratives and explores alternative ways of thinking and living with weeds by learning from traditional knowledges in their places of origin;
- A multispecies geography that documents entanglements of weeds with other species (e.g. as food, medicine, matter) in the context of accelerating climate change.
The project focuses on three invasive non-native plants in the UK and uses archival research, document analysis, participant observation, and semi-structured and go-along interviews in the UK and places of origin. A sensory exhibition of materials assembled during research will function as a creative community engagement to experiment and collaborate with 'invasive weeds'.
The successful applicant will work on the project alongside Prof. Cheryl McEwan (Principal Investigator, Department of Geography, Durham University). The primary duties will be to contribute to the development of the project's conceptual approach and to the preparation and planning of the research, undertake fieldwork and archival research in the UK and one of the three overseas locations, co-design and plan the sensory exhibition, and contribute to the writing up and dissemination of the research to multiple academic and non-academic audiences. Applications from those with experience of plant humanities, Critical Plant Studies, political ecology, and vegetal geographies are encouraged.
PDRA in Human Geography - Durham employer: Durham University
Contact Detail:
Durham University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PDRA in Human Geography - Durham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the Human Geography field, especially those connected to the project. Attend relevant events or webinars and don’t be shy about introducing yourself – you never know who might have a lead on opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the project! When you get the chance to chat with potential colleagues or during interviews, share your thoughts on invasive weeds and how they relate to your research interests. This will help you stand out as someone genuinely invested in the work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the project’s themes. Brush up on environmental humanities and political ecology, and think about how your background fits in. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show you’re ready to contribute from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace PDRA in Human Geography - Durham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your experience aligns with the project’s focus on invasive weeds and transdisciplinary approaches. We want to see your passion for human geography and how you can contribute to our innovative interventions.
Showcase Relevant Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your background in plant humanities, Critical Plant Studies, or political ecology. We’re looking for candidates who can bring unique perspectives to the table, so let us know how your skills fit into the project!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your ideas flow well and are easy to understand. This will help us get a good sense of your thought process and communication style.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials properly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Durham University
✨Know Your Weeds
Familiarise yourself with the specific invasive plants mentioned in the project. Understanding their ecological impact and cultural significance will show your genuine interest and expertise in the field.
✨Engage with the Project's Themes
Dive deep into the concepts of migrant ecology, decolonial ecology, and multispecies geography. Be prepared to discuss how these themes relate to your own research interests and experiences.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Highlight your experience with archival research, participant observation, and interviews. Provide examples of how you've successfully conducted similar research in the past, especially in a transdisciplinary context.
✨Prepare for Creative Collaboration
Think about how you would contribute to the sensory exhibition. Bring ideas on how to engage the community creatively with the research findings, as this will demonstrate your innovative thinking and collaborative spirit.