At a Glance
- Tasks: Research road building and alternative infrastructures in the Western Amazon.
- Company: Join a leading research team at the University of St Andrews.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days annual leave, hybrid working, and generous pension contributions.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and political ecology in Latin America.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and expertise in qualitative research required.
The predicted salary is between 38784 - 46049 € per year.
Full Time, Fixed Term for 24 Months. Applications are sought for a committed Political Ecology Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to work with Dr Jessica Hope (University of St Andrews) on the European Research Council-funded project Roads to Sustainability: exploring the infrastructures of a sustainable future. As part of a team of 2 post-doctoral researchers, 16 Indigenous researchers, and the Principal Investigator, you will investigate road building in the Western Amazon and the emancipatory possibilities of alternative infrastructures. Specifically, you will work on infrastructural-ecological-citizenship in Iquitos, Peru.
The primary research duties will be to:
- Design and implement research on infrastructural-ecological-citizenship in Iquitos, Peru - an Amazonian city with no connecting road
- Conduct data collection, analysis, and dissemination of research findings through high-quality publications
- Collaborate with the project team and project partners on findings and outputs, contributing to developing a new form of political ecology, infrastructural political ecology
- Co-plan and co-deliver a hybrid research event between Latin America and the UK
- Contribute to the project’s web page and social media accounts
More broadly, the successful applicant will also be expected to:
- Maintain a strong focus on publishing in leading journals and presenting research at relevant conferences and workshops
- Contribute to the school’s academic life, including research groups and supporting project-related events
As a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow in the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, you will join a research-active school and be supported by the Principal Investigator in your career progression. The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in Political Ecology, Human Geography, Social Anthropology, Development Studies, History, Philosophy, International Relations, or a related discipline; expertise in conducting qualitative research, ideally in Latin America; advanced Spanish and English language skills; and excellent research communication and management skills are essential.
The post is available for 24 months starting 01 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Benefits include:
- Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays
- Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions
- A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family-friendly policies
- Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services
- Free staff parking, employee carshare and cycle to work schemes and subsidised local bus travel
- Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary-sacrifice scheme
Salary: £38,784 to £46,049 per annum.
For further details, contact Dr Jessica Hope at jch31@st-andrews.ac.uk.
At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people.
Closing Date: 13 July 2026
Interview Date: 29 July 2026
Please quote ref: AR3287
Research Fellow: Political Ecology of Infrastructural-Ecological-Citizenship - AR3287 in Fife employer: Economicsnetwork
The University of St Andrews is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and employee well-being. As a Post-Doctoral Research Fellow, you will benefit from generous annual leave, a supportive hybrid working environment, and numerous professional development opportunities, all while contributing to groundbreaking research in the heart of Iquitos, Peru. Join a dedicated team committed to exploring sustainable futures and enjoy access to extensive resources and a collaborative academic community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow: Political Ecology of Infrastructural-Ecological-Citizenship - AR3287 in Fife
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your field, especially those connected to the project or similar research areas. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let your enthusiasm for political ecology and sustainable development shine through. It’s not just about your qualifications; it’s about how much you care about the work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the project’s goals and challenges. Think about how your skills can contribute to their mission. Tailoring your responses to align with their objectives will make you a standout candidate.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow: Political Ecology of Infrastructural-Ecological-Citizenship - AR3287 in Fife
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role. We want to see how you can contribute to the project on infrastructural-ecological-citizenship in Iquitos, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this position is all about research, be sure to emphasise your experience in qualitative research, especially if it relates to Latin America. We’re keen to see your ability to conduct data collection and analysis, so share relevant examples!
Communicate Clearly:Your written communication skills are crucial for this role. Make sure your application is clear, concise, and free of jargon. We want to understand your ideas easily, so keep it straightforward and engaging!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Economicsnetwork
✨Know Your Research
Dive deep into the project 'Roads to Sustainability' and understand its core objectives. Familiarise yourself with the concept of infrastructural-ecological-citizenship, especially in the context of Iquitos, Peru. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your background aligns with the project's goals.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare to discuss your qualitative research experience, particularly any work related to Latin America. Highlight your advanced language skills in Spanish and English, and be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively communicated research findings in the past.
✨Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with a diverse team, think of examples that demonstrate your ability to collaborate. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to the project’s web page and social media accounts, as well as your approach to co-planning hybrid research events.
✨Engage with the Academic Community
Express your enthusiasm for contributing to the academic life at the School of Geography and Sustainable Development. Share your ideas on how you plan to publish in leading journals and present at conferences, showcasing your commitment to advancing the field of political ecology.
