At a Glance
- Tasks: Support innovative research on Nature-Based Solutions and engage with EU projects.
- Company: Join the University of East London, a leader in education and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while developing valuable research skills.
- Qualifications: Master’s degree in relevant field; PhD preferred, with strong analytical skills.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on collaboration and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Offer Description
Location: Docklands Campus
Per annum inclusive of London Weighting
Post Type: Part Time
Hours per Week: 17.5
Contract Type: Fixed Term
Contract Length: 5 months
Closing Date: Wednesday 17 September 2025
Reference: 1595-25-R
About Us
University of East London (UEL) is a vibrant, diverse, and forward-thinking institution dedicated to transforming lives through exceptional education and career-focused opportunities. As a careers-first university, we have been proudly preparing students for the jobs of the future for 125 years.
UEL has a Vision 2028 strategy to reshape education for the benefit of all. We empower students from all backgrounds with the skills and opportunities to excel in today’s dynamic world.
We are recognised as the University of the Year for Teaching Quality in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.
Additionally, UEL ranks:
- 1st in London for Student Experience (National Student Survey 2024)
- 3rd in London for Teaching Satisfaction (Guardian University Guide 2025)
About the Sustainability Research Institute (SRI): Since its launch in 2001, SRI brings together research and development of eco-efficient technologies and processes, focusing on changes in infrastructure to benefit the environment and promote a carbon-neutral society. SRI has delivered publicly funded research projects, consultancy contracts, and knowledge exchange activities, building a local and international reputation for applying ground-breaking research in real-world contexts.
The SRI’s focus areas include three key themes:
- Blue/Green infrastructure: conservation, restoration, and management of nature-based infrastructure assets to enhance sustainability and resilience in rural and urban environments.
- Sustainable Materials and Resources: developing materials with lower carbon emissions and improved performance.
- Sustainable Society: collaborating with stakeholders to engage in the sustainability transition.
About You
We are looking for a Research Assistant to support the Network Nature Task Force 2 on Nature-Based Solutions. The RA will work on a project exploring the use of impact evaluation on Horizon Europe funded Nature-based Solutions projects. As part of a Task Force project team, the role will include:
- Developing and distributing a survey to EU projects on their use of evaluation indicators
- Analysing responses, including individual follow-ups
- Hosting a team workshop to achieve consensus on findings and key outputs
- Crafting and disseminating a policy brief
- Finalising and submitting an open-access publication
- Evidence that the project team has effectively collaborated with members of other Task Forces
This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career researcher to join a multi-disciplinary team with responsibility for delivering a research project linked to EU-wide knowledge transfer using an established pathway to impact. You will report to the SRI Director and work alongside SRI researchers and other researchers involved in the Network Nature Task Force to engage Nature-based Solutions researchers and practitioners across the EU. This role offers opportunities to develop new networks and a broad range of research skills.
Responsibilities
- Develop and submit ethical approval applications for the research project
- Run a workshop to co-develop the research approach
- Deliver a survey
- Analyse responses
- Host a workshop to achieve consensus on findings and outputs
- Develop a policy brief
- Lead the preparation of a publication
- Present progress at Task Force meetings
- Interact with SRI and external partners
What you’ll need to thrive
To thrive in this role, candidates should bring
- Education & Qualifications: A Master’s degree in Sustainability, Environmental Science, Social Science, or a related field. A PhD is desirable.
- Knowledge & Experience: Strong understanding of nature-based solutions, survey design, and data analysis (qualitative and quantitative). Experience with impact evaluation, ethics applications, policy briefs, and scientific publications is a plus.
- Skills & Abilities: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a collaborative mindset, and a commitment to equality and diversity. Candidates should be self-motivated, well-organised, and able to manage tasks independently and within a team.
Benefits
We offer a competitive salary dependent on experience, and a range of benefits. UEL is an inclusive employer with Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion commitments and relevant accreditations. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and can provide reasonable accommodations in the recruitment process.
Notes
Advert may close earlier than the deadline if we receive many applications. CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
UEL is committed to building a diverse, representative, and inclusive community where everyone can progress and thrive.
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Research Assistant, Nature-based Solutions employer: Euraxess
Contact Detail:
Euraxess Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant, Nature-based Solutions
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to nature-based solutions. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website showcasing your research projects, surveys, and any publications. This is a great way to demonstrate your expertise in sustainability and data analysis, making you stand out to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to nature-based solutions and impact evaluation. Think about how your experiences align with the role at UEL. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, keep an eye on our job listings regularly; new opportunities pop up all the time. Don’t miss out on your chance to join a fantastic team at UEL!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant, Nature-based Solutions
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 of Research Assistant. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission at UEL, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant background!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for nature-based solutions shine through in your written application. We love candidates who are genuinely excited about sustainability and research, so share your motivation and any related projects you've been involved in.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that are easy to read. Use bullet points where necessary to make your key achievements stand out – we want to see your strengths without wading through too much text!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised and efficient on our end.
How to prepare for a job interview at Euraxess
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of nature-based solutions and the specific projects related to the Network Nature Task Force. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in sustainability research, as well as the role of impact evaluation in these projects. This will show that you're genuinely interested and well-prepared.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with survey design, data analysis, and any previous work on policy briefs or scientific publications. Prepare examples that highlight your communication and interpersonal skills, as collaboration is key in this role. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come armed with insightful questions about the project and the team. Ask about the challenges they face in implementing nature-based solutions or how they measure success in their initiatives. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Focus on common interview questions related to research roles and sustainability. The more comfortable you are with your responses, the better you'll perform during the actual interview.