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- Tasks: Research critical materials for sustainable energy and transport systems.
- Company: Join a leading research programme with top UK universities and KTH Sweden.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for impactful research and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a difference in global low-carbon transitions while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: PhD in Engineering or related field, with skills in programming and environmental assessment.
- Other info: Fixed-term position until March 2025, based in Cambridge.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Two Research Assistant/Associate positions have become available as part of the Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) programme, an exciting research programme involving leading UK universities and KTH Sweden. CCG is funded by the UK's Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which aims to support investment in sustainable energy and transport systems to meet development priorities in the Global South. The key partner countries in CCG are Kenya, Zambia, Ghana, Lao PDR, Viet Nam and India where joint research projects are in place. The specific focus of this post is critical materials (such as lithium, cobalt, graphite) to support low-carbon transitions globally.
The post holders will be located in Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, UK.
Key responsibilities and duties:
- Research critical material production & supply chains
- Model supply chain changes techno-economically
- Academic & policy writing
- Collaborate with institutions in selected CCG partner countries
Skills, qualifications and experience required for the roles:
- Applicants must have (or be close to obtaining) a PhD in Engineering or a field relating to mining, supply chains, or similar
- Knowledge and experience in: environmental assessment, emissions accounting, tools of Industrial Ecology; cost estimations of supply chains and production processes of minerals; programming languages (i.e. Python, MATLAB, R), software control (i.e. GitHub) and GIS-type software
- Collaboration and communication with multicultural partners, policymakers, research institutes, colleagues
- Evidence of potential to produce and clearly communicate high-quality research outputs
- Experience of managing own workload, sticking to deadlines, and ability to constantly update knowledge
Appointment at Research Associate level is dependent on having a PhD. Those who have submitted but not yet received their PhD will be appointed at Research Assistant level, which will be amended to Research Associate once the PhD has been awarded.
Fixed-term: The funds for these posts are available until 31 March 2025 in the first instance. These posts are full-time and with a start date of as soon as possible.
Please ensure that you upload your Curriculum Vitae (CV) and a covering letter in the Upload section of the online application. If you upload any additional documents which have not been requested, we will not be able to consider these as part of your application. Please submit your application by midnight on the closing date.
If you have any questions about this vacancy, please contact Prof Jonathan Cullen at jmc99@cam.ac.uk for queries of a technical nature related to this role, and please contact Laura Prestwich at ls875@cam.ac.uk for queries about the application process.
Please quote reference NM42123 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Assistant/Associate in Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) x 2 (Fixed Term) employer: International Society for Industrial Ecology
Contact Detail:
International Society for Industrial Ecology Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant/Associate in Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) x 2 (Fixed Term)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the climate research field, especially those who might have insights into the CCG programme. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of critical materials and their role in low-carbon transitions. We recommend practising common interview questions and having a few thoughtful questions ready to ask about the role and the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! If you’ve got experience with programming languages or GIS software, make sure to highlight these in your conversations. We want to see how you can contribute to the research right from the get-go.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your application status there. Let’s get you that Research Assistant/Associate position!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant/Associate in Climate Compatible Growth (CCG) x 2 (Fixed Term)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your relevant experience in environmental assessment and supply chains. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your academic achievements and any programming languages you know!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about climate-compatible growth and how your background makes you a perfect fit for this role. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear connection to our mission.
Follow Application Instructions: Pay close attention to the application instructions. Upload only the requested documents (CV and cover letter) and make sure to quote the reference number NM42123. We can’t consider extra documents, so keep it simple and straightforward!
Submit Before the Deadline: Don’t leave it until the last minute! Make sure you submit your application by midnight on the closing date. We want to see your application, so give yourself plenty of time to review everything before hitting that 'Apply' button on our website.
How to prepare for a job interview at International Society for Industrial Ecology
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Climate Compatible Growth programme and its focus on critical materials. Familiarise yourself with recent developments in sustainable energy and transport systems, especially in the partner countries like Kenya and India. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with programming languages like Python or MATLAB, and how you've applied them in previous projects. Prepare specific examples of how you've modelled supply chain changes or conducted environmental assessments, as these are key aspects of the job.
✨Collaboration is Key
Highlight your ability to work with multicultural teams and communicate effectively with policymakers and research institutes. Share examples of past collaborations and how you navigated any challenges, as this will demonstrate your teamwork skills and adaptability.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions ready about the CCG programme or the specific projects you'll be involved in. This shows that you’re not only interested in the position but also eager to contribute meaningfully to the team.
