At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team to research road infrastructure's impact on multispecies justice in the Western Amazon.
- Company: University of St Andrews, a leader in research and sustainability.
- Benefits: 34 days annual leave, hybrid working, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in political ecology and contribute to sustainable futures.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and expertise in mixed methods research.
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 PI, you will investigate road building in the Western Amazon and the emancipatory possibilities of alternative infrastructures. Specifically, you will work within political ecology with theories of multispecies justice and conservation.
The primary research duties will be to:
- Contribute to the design and implementation of research on how road infrastructure impacts multispecies justice and conservation in the Western Amazon.
- 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 to help develop 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 PDRF in the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, you will join a research-active and collegial school. You will be supported by the PI in your own career progression.
The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in Political Ecology, Ecology, Human Geography, Social Anthropology, Development Studies, History, Philosophy, International Relations, or a related discipline; expertise in conducting mixed methods research, ideally in Latin America; advanced Spanish and English language skills; and excellent research communication and management skills.
The post is available for 24 months starting [01 September 2026] or as soon as possible thereafter.
Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits, including:
- 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.
Further details of the project can be found by contacting Dr Jessica Hope (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: AR3288LS
£38,784 to £46,049 per annum
Research Fellow: Political Ecology of Multispecies - AR3288 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 Research Fellow in Political Ecology, you will benefit from generous annual leave, a supportive hybrid working environment, and numerous professional development opportunities, all while contributing to groundbreaking research on sustainability in the Western Amazon. Join a collegial team dedicated to advancing knowledge and fostering your career progression in a prestigious academic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow: Political Ecology of Multispecies - AR3288 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. 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 that interview, make sure to express your enthusiasm for political ecology and multispecies justice. Let them know why this project excites you and how you can contribute to its success.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the unexpected! Be ready to discuss your research methods and findings in detail. They might throw some curveball questions your way, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨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 are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow: Political Ecology of Multispecies - AR3288 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 specific requirements of the Research Fellow position. We want to see how you can contribute to the project on political ecology and multispecies justice!
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this role involves a lot of research, be sure to emphasise your experience in conducting mixed methods research, especially if you've worked in Latin America. We love seeing examples of your past work and how it relates to the project!
Communicate Clearly:Your written application should reflect your excellent research communication skills. Keep it clear and concise, and don’t forget to proofread! We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly!
How to prepare for a job interview at Economicsnetwork
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the project’s focus on political ecology and multispecies justice. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges of road building in the Western Amazon, as well as the theoretical frameworks that underpin the research. This will help you engage meaningfully during discussions.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with a diverse team, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaborative research. Highlight any past projects where you’ve worked with Indigenous researchers or across disciplines, and how you contributed to a positive team dynamic.
✨Prepare for Mixed Methods Questions
Expect questions about your expertise in mixed methods research. Be ready to explain your approach to data collection and analysis, particularly in the context of Latin America. Sharing specific examples from your previous work can really set you apart.
✨Engage with the Project's Online Presence
Since you’ll be contributing to the project's web page and social media, think about how you can enhance its visibility. Prepare ideas on how to communicate research findings effectively online, and be ready to discuss your experience with digital platforms during the interview.
