At a Glance
- Tasks: Collaborate with community groups and energy advisors to create engaging educational materials.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh's innovative Earth Initiative team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and access to personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team tackling the global climate emergency.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability while working in a creative and dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Current PhD student with skills in design, communication, and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 41064 £ per year.
Part Time - 9 hours per week. Fixed-term for 7 months from August 2026. The School of Sociology and Energy Demand Research Centre are looking for a PhD student to work on a project aimed at bringing together community interest groups with energy advisors to develop novel approaches to learning and communicating about energy. This 7-month project will focus on co‑creating a zine with community members and energy advisors.
Please refer to the project brief and the skills listed below when outlining your skills and experience in your application.
Your skills and attributes for success:
- Current University of Edinburgh PhD student in the ‘25/’26 academic year and expecting to continue into the ‘26/’27 academic year.
- Experience in illustration, graphic design and video production, and an interest in applying these skills to support sustainability goals.
- Experience in co‑creation and community art work, or in mentoring others to make artwork.
- Confident and approachable communicator, comfortable speaking to individuals and groups from different backgrounds and ages.
- Organised and reliable, with the ability to manage tasks that vary across events, engagement and light communications.
- Experience working in an energy or sustainability context (desirable but not essential).
- Experience in evaluating activities through short surveys and interviews (desirable but not essential).
As an Earth Fellow, you will be joining a diverse, fun and dynamic team of researchers, students and staff all working together to address the global climate emergency. As part of the Earth Fellows programme, you will have access to co‑working space, exciting networking and personal development opportunities and opportunities to contribute towards partnerships and solutions for climate change on a global scale.
Earth Fellows work on individual and team‑based projects which contribute to the University of Edinburgh and Edinburgh Earth Initiative’s work on climate change research‑led impact, innovation, engagement, and teaching.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
- A competitive salary.
- An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work.
- To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
- Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family‑friendly initiatives, and flexible work options.
Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion. The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also Stonewall Scotland Diversity Champions, actively promoting LGBT equality.
Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages. On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
The closing date for applications is 11 June 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time). If you are applying from outside the UK, the closing time shown on our adverts will automatically adjust to your browser’s local time zone.
Earth Fellow: empowering energy advice employer: The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh offers a unique opportunity for PhD students to engage in meaningful work as an Earth Fellow, contributing to innovative solutions for climate change within a vibrant and diverse community. With access to co-working spaces, personal development opportunities, and a commitment to equality and inclusion, this role provides a supportive environment where creativity and collaboration thrive. Enjoy a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits while making a tangible impact on sustainability efforts in Edinburgh and beyond.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Earth Fellow: empowering energy advice
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the team! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the people you'll be meeting. Check out their work and see how it aligns with your interests. This will help you connect better and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring along a portfolio or examples of your previous work, especially anything related to illustration, graphic design, or community projects. This is your chance to shine and demonstrate how you can contribute to the Earth Fellow project.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Since this role involves engaging with diverse groups, make sure you can articulate your ideas clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or using online resources to polish your delivery.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to make sure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, applying directly through our site gives you access to all the latest updates and opportunities within the University of Edinburgh.
We think you need these skills to ace Earth Fellow: empowering energy advice
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Project Brief:Before you start writing, make sure to read the project brief thoroughly. It’s packed with info on what we’re looking for, so tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the project goals.
Show Off Your Skills:Don’t be shy! Use your application to showcase your experience in illustration, graphic design, or video production. We want to see how you can apply these skills to support sustainability, so give us some examples!
Be Yourself:We’re all about diversity and inclusion here at StudySmarter. When you write your application, let your personality shine through. We want to know who you are and how you communicate with different groups.
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of everything and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super straightforward!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the project brief and the goals of the Earth Fellow role. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks and deliverables, as well as how your skills in illustration, graphic design, and community engagement can contribute to the project.
✨Showcase Your Creative Skills
Prepare a portfolio that highlights your experience in graphic design, video production, and co-creation. Bring examples of your previous work that demonstrate your ability to communicate complex ideas visually and engage with diverse communities.
✨Practice Your Communication Style
As a confident and approachable communicator, it's essential to practice how you present your ideas. Consider conducting mock interviews with friends or mentors, focusing on how you can effectively engage with individuals from various backgrounds and ages.
✨Be Organised and Ready to Discuss
Since the role involves managing varied tasks, come prepared with examples of how you've successfully organised events or projects in the past. Be ready to discuss your approach to evaluating activities through surveys and interviews, even if it's not a primary requirement.
