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- 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 Ireland
Contact Detail:
EURAXESS Ireland 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 your contacts in the geography field, attend relevant conferences, and engage with researchers on social media. We can’t stress enough how important it is to make connections that could lead to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the project and the team at Durham University. Familiarise yourself with their work on invasive weeds and think about how your skills align with their goals. We want you to shine when you get that interview!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for human geography and plant humanities in every conversation. Whether it’s during networking events or interviews, let your enthusiasm for the subject matter come through. We believe that genuine interest can set you apart from the crowd.
✨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’re always looking for candidates who are excited about innovative research like the one at Durham University.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Geography in North East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in plant humanities and political ecology. We want to see how your background aligns with our project on invasive weeds, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant skills!
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for human geography and the themes of our project shine through. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the research and can articulate why they want to be part of this innovative work.
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 your arguments are easy to follow. Avoid jargon unless it’s necessary!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget 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’re looking forward to seeing what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at EURAXESS Ireland
✨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 relate to the role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the project's direction, potential challenges, or collaboration opportunities. Asking questions shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Your Presentation Skills
Since part of the role involves disseminating research to various audiences, practice explaining complex ideas in simple terms. You might even want to prepare a brief presentation on a related topic to showcase your communication skills and creativity.