At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research on sand extraction and urbanisation in Freetown using remote sensing methods.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh's dynamic team focused on climate change solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and access to co-working space.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse community committed to equality and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on urbanisation issues while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Current PhD student at the University of Edinburgh with remote sensing experience.
The predicted salary is between 22.5 - 22.5 £ per hour.
UE07: £41,064.00 - £48,822.00 Per Annum Pro Rata (£22.50 per hour).
CSG / Edinburgh Earth Initiative / Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability.
Part Time - 9 hours per week.
Fixed‑Term for nine months from September 2026.
The Edinburgh College of Art and the School of Geosciences are looking for a Ph D student to support a project to develop and test methods to trace sand extraction and urbanisation processes across Freetown, Sierra Leone.
This 9‑month project will contribute to understanding how rapid, unplanned urbanisation in Freetown is affecting labour, infrastructure and environmental degradation.
View the full project brief for the Earth Fellow: remote sensing sand urbanisation, including key tasks and deliverables.
View the general Earth Fellow job description.
Please refer to the project brief and the skills listed below when outlining your skills and experience in your application.
This post will be appointed at Grade UE07, step 1 which is £41,064 per annum, pro rata (£22.50 per hour).
Earth Fellowships are only open to current postgraduate and Ph D students at the University of Edinburgh based in the UK.
Please do not apply if you will not be an on‑campus University of Edinburgh student in the ‘26/’27 academic year.
Your skills and attributes for success
- Current University of Edinburgh Ph D student in the ‘26/’27 academic year.
- Interest in the social, infrastructure and environmental impacts of rapid urbanisation in cities like Freetown, Sierra Leone.
- Interest in data visualisation/critical cartography bridging disciplines of science and creative practice.
- Ability to collaborate to develop research methodologies and refine research scope.
- Experience working with big remote sensing data, e. g., with Google Earth Engine.
- Experience performing landcover classification using multi‑spectral satellite imagery.
- Experience managing datasets and analysing and communicating data, for example with visualisations and/or animations.
- Experience using GIS software (i. e. QGIS), scripting using Python or other GIS‑friendly languages and Adobe Suite (i. e. Photoshop, Illustrator and After Effects).
- Ability to work proactively with colleagues and external collaborators with a variety of expertise; understanding and valuing different points of view.
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.
Check out the full list on our staff benefits page and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits.
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.
The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers in this role.
International applicants will therefore be unable to apply for and secure a Skilled Worker visa.
They will only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.
Key dates to note
The closing date for applications is 4 August 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.
Interviews will be held in August.
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Earth Fellow: remote sensing sand urbanisation employer: The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation meets inclusivity. With a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while contributing to cutting-edge research in cyber-security. Located in Glasgow, the university fosters a vibrant community that values diversity and promotes equal opportunities for all staff members.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Earth Fellow: remote sensing sand urbanisation
✨Get Hands-On with Fieldwork
In geoscience, nothing beats real-world experience. Look for part-time roles that involve fieldwork—this not only boosts your skills but also helps you meet professionals who could lead you to your next gig. Consider volunteering for local environmental projects or research initiatives; these connections can be gold dust.
✨Join Geoscience Communities
Get active in geoscience communities, both online and offline. Think about joining professional societies like the Geological Society in the UK or local geology clubs. These are great places to network and learn about part-time opportunities, often before they’re advertised.
✨Utilise University Resources
If you're currently studying or a recent grad, tap into your university’s career services. They often have exclusive listings for part-time roles in geosciences, and their contacts can help you score internships or part-time work at local firms.
✨Don't Underestimate Social Media
Use platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to follow geoscience thought leaders and organisations. Share your own insights, engage with posts, and don’t be shy about reaching out directly to connect. It’s a smart way to get noticed and learn about part-time opportunities like the ones at The University of Edinburgh. Check out their careers page too!
We think you need these skills to ace Earth Fellow: remote sensing sand urbanisation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Field Experience:When applying for a part-time role in geoscience, we recommend showcasing your relevant field experience. Whether it’s internships, projects, or even volunteer work, mention specific tasks you performed and what you learned—emphasising your hands-on skills makes a difference!
Show Off Your Technical Skills:Geoscience roles often require specific technical skills and software knowledge, like GIS tools or data analysis methods. Be sure to list these prominently in your CV, and if you have any certifications (think software training or specialised courses), mention them—this is your chance to shine!
Craft a Motivated Cover Letter:Since this is a part-time gig, let’s show your enthusiasm! In your cover letter, express why you're drawn to this role and how it fits your studies or career aspirations. We're looking for passion, so don't be shy—make it personal!
Tailor Your CV for Geoscience Roles:We want to see a CV that’s tailored for geoscience positions. Make sure to highlight academic achievements relevant to the field, like coursework or research projects. Use metrics and specific terminology to demonstrate your knowledge, helping you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Know Your Techniques
Get ready to talk about your experience with specific geoscience techniques and tools. Whether it's GIS software, sediment analysis, or remote sensing, be prepared to explain how you've used them in past projects or studies. This demonstrates your hands-on skills, which is super important in our field.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since you're aiming for a part-time gig, it's a great chance to flaunt any relevant coursework, projects, or even your thesis. Put together a portfolio that highlights your hands-on experience and learning outcomes. This can set you apart and show that you’re not just book-smart, but have practical knowledge too.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Expect some scenario-based questions during your interview! Prepare to discuss how you would approach tasks like site assessments or data interpretation. Think about the challenges you might face in the role and how you can effectively tackle them with the skills you've developed in your studies.
✨Ask About Flexibility
Since it's part-time, don’t shy away from asking about the flexibility of hours and the type of projects you might work on. This not only shows your genuine interest in balancing your work with studies but also helps you gauge if it fits your schedule and ambitions.
