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- Tasks: Lead research on climate adaptation in horticulture and engage with stakeholders across Northern Ireland.
- Company: Join Queen's University Belfast, a leader in climate and environmental research.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holiday, pension schemes, and flexible working options.
- Other info: 12-month contract with potential for renewal; commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate adaptation strategies for food production in Northern Ireland.
- 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. For further information on our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, please visit our website.
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 TLNT1_NI in Belfast employer: Queens University
Contact Detail:
Queens University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - Climate Adaptation & Horticulture TLNT1_NI in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the horticultural sector and climate adaptation space. Attend events, join online forums, and connect with people 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! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, be ready to discuss your experience in participatory research and stakeholder engagement. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully facilitated workshops or synthesised complex evidence into clear outputs.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on industry trends! Keep an eye on the latest developments in climate adaptation and horticulture. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also show that you're genuinely interested in the field and ready to contribute to the Horticultural Strategy for Northern Ireland.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our commitment to equality and diversity there.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - Climate Adaptation & Horticulture TLNT1_NI in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Qualifications: Make sure to highlight your PhD and any relevant experience in food systems or horticulture. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Engagement Experience is Key: Since this role involves stakeholder engagement, share specific examples of your past experiences in planning and facilitating workshops. We love seeing how you’ve worked with diverse groups to achieve common goals.
Simplicity is Powerful: When synthesising complex evidence, keep it clear and concise. We appreciate well-structured outputs that are easy to understand, especially when they’re policy-relevant. Show us you can make the complicated simple!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the position there!
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 the Three Horizons framework and be ready to discuss how it can be applied to stakeholder engagement in Northern Ireland's horticultural sector.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples of your past participatory or stakeholder engagement research. Be ready to talk about how you facilitated workshops and engaged diverse groups, highlighting any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Synthesis is Key
Demonstrate your ability to synthesise complex information into clear, actionable insights. Bring along examples of policy-relevant outputs you've created in the past, and be prepared to discuss your approach to distilling multisource evidence.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Remember, interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the role, the team, and the projects you'll be involved in. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is the right fit for you.