At a Glance
- Tasks: Map expertise in future food systems and organise interdisciplinary workshops.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh's innovative Earth Initiative team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible work options, and access to co-working space.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant community dedicated to tackling global challenges.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change while collaborating with diverse experts.
- Qualifications: Current PhD student with research experience in food systems and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 22.5 - 22.5 £ per hour.
Edinburgh Earth Initiative, Department for Social Responsibility and Sustainability.
Part Time - 9 hours per week. Fixed-term for six months from August 2026.
The Edinburgh Earth Initiative (EEI), Edinburgh Innovations and the Division of Global Agriculture and Food Systems are looking for a PhD student to support with mapping the University’s expertise in future food systems research. This 6-month project will focus on arranging an interdisciplinary workshop to bring together food systems researchers from across different disciplines. The Earth Fellow will have responsibility for creating workshop materials and analysing and reporting on workshop outputs.
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 ‘26/’27 academic year.
- Experience with research related to future food systems and an awareness of different aspects of food system research.
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to communicate complex information clearly, both in writing and in oral presentations.
- Ability to assimilate information from multiple sources and report on it effectively.
- Experience creating visual outputs such as maps, infographics or summary diagrams.
- Ability to work proactively with colleagues and external collaborators with a variety of expertise; understanding and valuing different points of view and building consensus.
- Experience organising workshops for a wide variety of stakeholders.
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 6 July 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm (UK time).
Earth Fellow: University of Edinburgh future food systems capability mapping employer: The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that fosters collaboration among diverse teams dedicated to tackling global challenges like climate change. As an Earth Fellow, you will benefit from competitive remuneration, access to co-working spaces, and numerous personal development opportunities, all while being part of a dynamic community committed to impactful research in future food systems.
Contact Details:
The University of Edinburgh Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Earth Fellow: University of Edinburgh future food systems capability mapping
✨Get Your Hands Dirty in the Community
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Join local agricultural societies or online forums specific to your area. These communities are goldmines for part-time opportunities and can connect you with farmers and organisations looking for helping hands.
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Make sure you know when the busy seasons are! Many farms ramp up hiring during planting and harvest times. Keep an eye out for those windows and shoot your applications off early through our website to increase your chances.
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Bring your enthusiasm to the table. During interviews or interactions, share any relevant coursework or experiences you’ve had in agriculture. Whether it’s a school project or a home garden, showing that you're keen can set you apart when competing for that part-time role with The University of Edinburgh.
We think you need these skills to ace Earth Fellow: University of Edinburgh future food systems capability mapping
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, make sure to shine a light on any agriculture-related experience you've got, whether it's from coursework, volunteer work, or hands-on jobs. Don't forget about specific skills like crop management or knowledge of sustainable practices; those are real winners for The University of Edinburgh!
Show Off Your Passion:In your cover letter, let your enthusiasm for agriculture come through! Talk about why you're passionate about working in this field and what makes you excited about the opportunity at The University of Edinburgh. We love hearing personal stories that connect you to the agriculture world!
Tailor Your Application:Avoid the one-size-fits-all approach. Make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter for the part-time role at The University of Edinburgh. This might mean adjusting the wording to reflect the specific tasks and responsibilities mentioned in the job listing, ensuring you clearly fit the bill.
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How to prepare for a job interview at The University of Edinburgh
✨Brush Up on Your Technical Knowledge
Given the agriculture field, it's vital we understand farming techniques, equipment, and even pest management strategies. Be ready to discuss specific practices you've encountered or used—perhaps your experience with certain crops or technologies in farming.
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