Research Fellow: Political Ecology of Multispecies Justice, University of St Andrews, UK

Applications are sought for a committed Political Ecology Post-Doctoral Research Fellow to work with Dr Jessica Hope (University of St Andrews) on the European Research Council-funded project Roads to Sustainability: exploring the infrastructures of a sustainable future. As part of a team of 2 post-doctoral researchers, 16 Indigenous researchers, and the PI, you will investigate road building in the Western Amazon and the emancipatory possibilities of alternative infrastructures. Specifically, you will work within political ecology with theories of multispecies justice and conservation.

The primary research duties will be to:

• Contribute to the design and implementation of research on how road infrastructure impacts multispecies justice and conservation in the Western Amazon.
• Conduct data collection, analysis, and dissemination of research findings through high-quality publications.
• Collaborate with the project team and project partners on findings and outputs to help develop a new form of political ecology, infrastructural political ecology.
• Co-plan and co-deliver a hybrid research event between Latin America and the UK.
• Contribute to the project’s web page and social media accounts.

More broadly, the successful applicant will also be expected to:

• Maintain a strong focus on publishing in leading journals and presenting research at relevant conferences and workshops.
• Contribute to the school’s academic life, including research groups and supporting project-related events.

As a PDRF in the School of Geography and Sustainable Development, you will join a research-active and collegial school. You will be supported by the PI in your own career progression.

The successful applicant will have (or be near to completion of) a PhD in Political Ecology, Ecology, Human Geography, Social Anthropology, Development Studies, History, Philosophy, International Relations, or a related discipline; expertise in conducting mixed methods research, ideally in Latin America; advanced Spanish and English language skills; and excellent research communication and management skills.

The post is available for 24 months starting [01 September 2026] or as soon as possible thereafter.

Employees of the University have access to a wide range of staff benefits, including:

• Annual leave of 34 days, plus 5 public holidays.
• Membership of the USS Pension Scheme with generous employer contributions.
• A hybrid working environment, including partial homeworking where appropriate and a range of family friendly policies.
• Staff discount scheme for local and national goods and services.
• Free staff parking, employee Carshare and Cycle to Work Schemes and subsidised local bus travel.
• Subsidised sports membership, reduced tuition fees on degree programmes for staff, access to training and development opportunities including LinkedIn Learning, access to library facilities, salary sacrifice scheme.

Further details of the project can be found by contacting Dr Jessica Hope (jch31@st-andrews.ac.uk).

At St Andrews, equality, diversity, and inclusion are central to who we are and form a core pillar of our University Strategy. We are committed to creating a fair, inclusive and supportive workplace, reflected in our participation in national diversity charters and awards, including Athena Swan, Carer Positive and the Race Equality Charter. We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, minority ethnic and minority religions backgrounds and from LGBTQ+ and disabled people.