At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead research on climate adaptation in horticulture and engage with stakeholders across Northern Ireland.
- Company: Queen's University Belfast, a leader in climate and environmental research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, pension schemes, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a supportive environment committed to equality, diversity, and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate adaptation strategies while collaborating with diverse groups.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and experience in stakeholder engagement and participatory research.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
The postholder will lead the initial development of a report and evidence portfolio that will help to inform a Horticultural Strategy for Northern Ireland as part of the Maximising UK Adaptation to Climate Change (MACC) Hub, funded by NERC and DEFRA. The post holder will design and facilitate a structured programme of stakeholder engagement across Northern Ireland's horticultural sector, drawing on the Three Horizons framework to identify shared visions, barriers, and transition pathways for climate-adapted food production. The post is hosted within the Co-Centre for Climate, Biodiversity and Water at Queen's University Belfast and will work in close partnership with the Climate NI Team at Northern Ireland Environment Link (NIEL) and the MACC Hub coordination team, contributing to climate adaptation-focused knowledge sprints across all four jurisdictions of the UK.
About the person
The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:
- Have or be about to obtain a relevant PhD in a discipline related to food systems, agri-food geography, rural sociology, environmental science, ecology, agriculture, horticulture or closely related field (must be obtained within 3 months of commencement of employment).
- Demonstrable experience of planning and delivering participatory or stakeholder engagement research, including workshop facilitation with diverse groups.
- Experience of applying qualitative or mixed-methods research approaches to food systems, agricultural transition, community development, or environmental management.
- Ability to synthesise complex, multisource evidence into clear, policy-relevant outputs.
This post is available for 12 months or until 21 November 2027, whichever is soonest. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.
What we offer
Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health.
Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.
If you are an international applicant and don't already hold a visa that permits you to take up the role you are applying for, please use the information provided on our website to self-assess whether the University is likely to be able to support a visa application.
Research Fellow - Climate Adaptation & Horticulture in Belfast employer: Queens University
Queen's University Belfast is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises staff wellbeing and professional development. With flexible working options, generous holiday entitlement, and a commitment to equality and diversity, employees are supported in their pursuit of meaningful research in climate adaptation and horticulture. The collaborative environment, alongside partnerships with key organisations like the Climate NI Team, provides unique opportunities for impactful contributions to the horticultural sector in Northern Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - Climate Adaptation & Horticulture in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the horticultural and climate adaptation sectors. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience in participatory research and stakeholder engagement. Use real examples to demonstrate how you've facilitated workshops or synthesised complex evidence into clear outputs. This will make you stand out during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses. Focus on articulating your experience with qualitative research and your understanding of climate adaptation strategies. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and the benefits we offer. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join a team dedicated to making a difference!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - Climate Adaptation & Horticulture in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Relevant Experience:Make sure to highlight your experience in participatory or stakeholder engagement research. We want to see how you've facilitated workshops and engaged with diverse groups, so don’t hold back on those details!
Simplicity is Key:When you're synthesising complex evidence into policy-relevant outputs, keep it clear and straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your application reflects that by avoiding jargon where possible.
Tailor Your Application:Read through the essential and desirable criteria carefully and tailor your application to demonstrate how you meet them. We’re looking for specific examples, so be sure to connect your experiences directly to what we’re asking for.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us, and you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our commitment to equality and diversity there too.
How to prepare for a job interview at Queens University
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest research and developments in climate adaptation and horticulture. Brush up on relevant theories, frameworks like the Three Horizons, and any recent case studies that relate to stakeholder engagement in the horticultural sector.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully facilitated workshops or engaged with diverse groups. Highlight how you’ve applied qualitative or mixed-methods research approaches, as this will demonstrate your hands-on experience and ability to deliver results.
✨Synthesis is Key
Be ready to discuss how you can synthesise complex information into clear, actionable outputs. Think of examples where you’ve taken multi-source evidence and turned it into something that’s easy to understand and policy-relevant. This will show your analytical skills and your ability to communicate effectively.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Don’t just wait for questions; engage with your interviewers. Ask them about their current projects or challenges they face in the horticultural sector. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you build rapport, making you a memorable candidate.
