Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Geography in North East
Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Geography

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Geography in North East

North East Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
EURAXESS Czech Republic

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a groundbreaking project exploring invasive weeds through innovative research and community engagement.
  • Company: Durham University, a leading institution in Geography research.
  • Benefits: Full-time position with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental humanities and challenge conventional narratives.
  • Qualifications: Experience in plant humanities, Critical Plant Studies, or political ecology is a plus.
  • Other info: Collaborate with experts and engage with diverse communities in a dynamic research environment.

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.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Geography in North East employer: EURAXESS Czech Republic

Durham University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in research. As a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Geography, you will have access to extensive professional development opportunities, allowing you to grow your expertise while contributing to groundbreaking projects like 'Plants out of place'. Located in the picturesque city of Durham, the university provides a supportive environment for researchers to thrive, engage with diverse communities, and make meaningful contributions to environmental humanities and political ecology.
EURAXESS Czech Republic

Contact Detail:

EURAXESS Czech Republic Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Geography in North East

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in your field, especially those connected to Durham University or similar projects. Attend conferences, workshops, or even local meet-ups to make those valuable connections that could lead to job opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Show off your research skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous work, especially anything related to plant humanities or political ecology. This will help you stand out during interviews and discussions with potential collaborators.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on how your experience aligns with the project’s goals, especially around invasive weeds and community engagement.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!

We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Geography in North East

Transdisciplinary Research
Archival Research
Document Analysis
Participant Observation
Semi-Structured Interviews
Go-Along Interviews
Fieldwork
Conceptual Development
Community Engagement
Creative Exhibition Planning
Writing and Dissemination
Knowledge of Plant Humanities
Critical Plant Studies
Political Ecology
Vegetal Geographies

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 research!

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 insights to the table, so let us know what makes you stand out!

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 see your thought process and how you approach research.

Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your materials correctly and can review them promptly. We can’t wait to see what you bring to the team!

How to prepare for a job interview at EURAXESS Czech Republic

✨Know Your Project Inside Out

Make sure you thoroughly understand the project 'Plants out of place' and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the concepts of migrant ecology, decolonial ecology, and multispecies geography. This will not only help you answer questions confidently but also show your genuine interest in the research.

✨Showcase Relevant Experience

Highlight any previous work or research that aligns with the project's themes, such as plant humanities or political ecology. Be ready to discuss specific examples of your fieldwork, archival research, or community engagement that demonstrate your skills and how they can contribute to the project.

✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions

Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the methodologies used in the project or how the team envisions the sensory exhibition. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.

✨Practice Your Presentation Skills

Since you'll be involved in disseminating research to various audiences, practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms. You might be asked to present your thoughts on the project or your research approach, so being articulate and engaging is key.

Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Geography in North East
EURAXESS Czech Republic
Location: North East

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