Research Officer in Community Climate Change Adaptation (0.4 full-time equivalent) in Brighton

The University of Brighton is appointing a Research Officer to contribute to a short‑term funded project on local climate risks and adaptive solutions in collaboration with West Sussex County Council. "Adapting Together: Building Local Resilience through Lived Experience and Partnership" uses participatory methods to explore community vulnerability and adaptation to extreme heat in Crawley, West Sussex. You will work closely with the University and WSCC to undertake community‑based work to achieve the project aims, including developing strategies for inclusive community engagement and data gathering, targeting under‑represented Crawley residents.

Responsibilities

• Lead the design and implementation of participatory mapping tools to capture lived experience of climate change‑related heat stress and facilitate the community‑based co‑design of locally appropriate strategies to mitigate exposure to heat.
• Facilitate the transition from gathering insights to developing a concrete community‑focused adaptation project (e.g., green shading, cooling centres, or communication networks) for Crawley.
• Lead the creation of a reproducible community engagement framework for heat adaptation that could be utilized by other UK local authorities.
• Participate in interim reporting to the project funder, lead on analysis of project data and contribute substantially to report‑writing and output development.

Qualifications

• A degree, preferably in a social science subject relevant to researching community experiences of climate change impacts.
• Up‑to‑date breadth or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline, including a basic understanding of climate change impacts, urban heat stress and social vulnerability.
• Some research experience, and a developing skill set in research methods and techniques, including the design and implementation of participatory mapping, Photovoice, or similar community‑led data collection methods.
• Familiarity with the Crawley area and/or experience working within West Sussex community structures.
• Proven ability to engage seldom‑heard groups or residents facing socio‑economic barriers.
• Strong written and oral communication skills needed to liaise with stakeholders, attend and contribute to meetings associated with the project.

Other Information

This part‑time position (0.4FTE) lasts six months, based at the University of Brighton with significant on‑the‑ground presence in Crawley. Your work schedule will be flexible to accommodate participant availability (e.g., weekends or late afternoons in Crawley libraries). A basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. The role is fractional and does not permit job sharing.

Equality and Diversity

The University is committed to creating and maintaining an inclusive environment for all staff regardless of age, disability, family or caring responsibilities, gender identity, marital status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief (including non‑belief), sex and sexual orientation. We particularly encourage applicants from minority ethnic backgrounds because the University is under‑represented by minority ethnic staff.