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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and manage research projects while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Company: Join The James Hutton Institute, a leader in sustainable development research.
- Benefits: Gain experience in interdisciplinary research and contribute to impactful projects.
- Why this job: Make a difference in social and economic challenges while enhancing your academic profile.
- Qualifications: PhD in social sciences and experience with community engagement required.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term position for 14 months, starting as soon as possible.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
The James Hutton Institute is seeking to appoint a research scientist to join our Social, Economic, and Geographical Sciences (SEGS) department. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a diverse portfolio of interdisciplinary research addressing contemporary social and economic challenges. The successful candidate will work on funded projects, including those within the Scottish Government’s Strategic Research Programme (2022–2027), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), and the European Union, specifically including one project on rural communities. Please note this position is fixed term for 14 months.
Key Responsibilities
- Design, manage, and administer research projects.
- Collaborate within interdisciplinary research teams to deliver outcomes.
- Conduct data collection, management, and analysis using qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods.
- Prepare and submit articles for peer-reviewed journals.
- Assist in securing research funding.
- Contribute to the operation of an interdisciplinary social science department.
Person Specification
- PhD in relevant social science discipline.
- Experience working with communities and stakeholders.
- Interest in the department's and institute's work.
- Potential to publish high-quality peer-reviewed articles.
- Strong team-working skills.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
- Track record of academic publications.
- Experience in applying for research funding.
- Experience in designing and implementing mixed methods research.
- Engagement with scholarly associations/societies.
- Interest in working with scientists beyond social sciences (e.g., computational, ecological sciences).
- Aware of open science principles and interest in applying them.
Application Process
To apply, submit: A CV and a covering letter explaining your interest and how you meet the person specification. Applications should be submitted via the online system. Interviews: w/c 14 July 2025. Start Date: as soon as possible for the successful candidate.
About The James Hutton Institute
The James Hutton Institute is a leading research organisation dedicated to delivering world-class science for sustainable development. Our research addresses social and economic challenges, including sustainable behaviours, place-based policy, natural resource governance, climate change, land use, ecosystem services, community vibrancy, and sustainability transitions.
Research Scientist (maternity cover) employer: The James Hutton Institute
Contact Detail:
The James Hutton Institute Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Scientist (maternity cover)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current projects at The James Hutton Institute, especially those related to rural communities and interdisciplinary research. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest in their work during any discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the social sciences field, particularly those who have experience with the Scottish Government’s Strategic Research Programme. Engaging with these individuals can provide insights into the role and may even lead to valuable connections within the institute.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with mixed methods research and how it applies to the projects at The James Hutton Institute. Be ready to share specific examples of your past work that align with their focus on qualitative and quantitative data collection.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your engagement with scholarly associations or societies relevant to social sciences. Highlighting your involvement can demonstrate your commitment to the field and your potential to contribute to the interdisciplinary nature of the department.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Scientist (maternity cover)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and person specification. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the Research Scientist position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly explain your interest in the role and how you meet the person specification. Use specific examples from your experience that demonstrate your ability to design and manage research projects, as well as your collaborative skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: When updating your CV, focus on your PhD and any relevant experience working with communities and stakeholders. Include details about your track record of academic publications and any experience in securing research funding.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you submit your application via the online system as specified. Double-check that your CV and cover letter are included and formatted correctly before hitting 'submit'.
How to prepare for a job interview at The James Hutton Institute
✨Know Your Research
Familiarise yourself with the current projects and research areas at The James Hutton Institute, especially those related to social, economic, and geographical sciences. Be prepared to discuss how your background and interests align with their work, particularly in relation to rural communities.
✨Showcase Your Teamwork Skills
Since collaboration is key in interdisciplinary research, be ready to provide examples of past experiences where you successfully worked within a team. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders and how you contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Prepare for Funding Discussions
Given the importance of securing research funding, think about your previous experiences in applying for grants or funding. Be prepared to discuss your strategies for identifying funding opportunities and how you can contribute to the institute's efforts in this area.
✨Demonstrate Your Publication Potential
The role requires a track record of academic publications, so be ready to talk about your previous work and any articles you have submitted or published. Discuss your approach to writing for peer-reviewed journals and how you plan to contribute to the institute's publication goals.
