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- Tasks: Map community land ownership across Europe and analyse its impact on sustainable development.
- Company: Join the vibrant research team at UHI Perth's Centre for Mountain Studies.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working options, and opportunities for travel across Europe.
- Other info: Collaborate with international partners and contribute to meaningful social innovations.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in rural communities while exploring diverse cultures and policies.
- Qualifications: Experience in qualitative research methods and a passion for community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 40574 - 45491 £ per year.
Full Time, Fixed Term for 4 Years (48 months): start date 1st October 2026
35 hours per week
Salary: £40,574.10 - £45,491.57 (Sept 26 pay award pending)
UHI Perth is one of Scotland’s leading Colleges of Further and Higher Education, and a large partner in Scotland’s youngest University, the University of the Highlands and Islands. An opportunity has arisen to join our vibrant research team at the Centre for Mountain Studies - UHI Perth (CMS).
The Community Land in Europe project is externally funded by a Leverhulme Trust Research Leadership Award. The project aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the range and nature of community land ownership across Europe and how it affects sustainable development outcomes in rural areas. The project team comprises the project lead, a doctoral student and a postdoctoral researcher.
The researcher will identify and ‘map’ examples of community land ownership across Europe, as well as organisations and social movements promoting and facilitating its expansion. This will broadly comprise four sequenced tasks:
- Gather and translate relevant European literature to reduce linguistic and epistemological bias, and map approaches to community land ownership and governance and their impacts.
- Compile a list of organisations and social movements through desk‑based mapping and collaboration with international partners, including NGOs, advocacy groups, universities and CLAN network members.
- Collect primary data through a mixed‑methods online survey of all identified organisations and movements, creating a multifunctional database.
- Follow up with survey respondents to deepen understanding of local and national contexts, using qualitative methods to explore political, historical and cultural factors shaping public policy and social innovations in community land ownership.
The successful candidate will work closely with the project lead in informing other aspects of the research project. For this purpose, experience of both utilising and supervising the use of qualitative methods and Q methodology would be beneficial. The research team will adopt an enhanced ethical approach to the research throughout, seeking ways in which community groups and local residents can benefit from the presence, conduct and findings of the researchers.
The role is based at the Centre for Mountain Studies, UHI Perth. Under current hybrid working guidelines, support staff can work up to 40% from home and 60% on campus, depending on role requirements. The post holder may be required to travel across Europe for fieldwork and attending relevant events and conferences.
Closing Date: 23:45 on Sunday 31st May 2026
Interview Date: 22nd/23rd June 2026
Researcher – Community Land in Europe Project, Centre for Mountain Studies employer: UHI Perth
Contact Detail:
UHI Perth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Researcher – Community Land in Europe Project, Centre for Mountain Studies
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the community land sector, attend relevant events, and connect with potential colleagues. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by diving deep into the Community Land in Europe project. Familiarise yourself with the latest research and trends in community land ownership. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring examples of your previous work or projects that relate to qualitative methods and community engagement. We love seeing how you can apply your experience to our mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for candidates who are genuinely excited about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Researcher – Community Land in Europe Project, Centre for Mountain Studies
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Researcher role. Highlight your relevant experience in community land ownership and qualitative research methods, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for community land issues shine through in your application. We want to see that you're genuinely interested in sustainable development and how it impacts rural areas across Europe.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. This helps us quickly grasp your qualifications and fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at UHI Perth
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the Community Land in Europe project and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the key aspects of community land ownership and sustainable development outcomes, as well as the role of the Centre for Mountain Studies. This will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with qualitative methods and Q methodology. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully gathered and analysed data in previous roles. Highlight any relevant projects where you've mapped organisations or movements, as this aligns closely with the tasks outlined in the job description.
✨Demonstrate Collaboration Abilities
Since the role involves working closely with a project lead and other team members, be prepared to talk about your teamwork experiences. Share specific instances where you've collaborated with diverse groups, such as NGOs or academic institutions, and how you contributed to achieving common goals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street, so come prepared with insightful questions about the project and the team. Inquire about the ethical approaches they plan to adopt and how they envision community groups benefiting from the research. This shows that you're not only interested in the role but also in making a positive impact.