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- Tasks: Join a team to develop algorithms for measuring climate solutions' impact.
- Company: Be part of the University of Cambridge's innovative Conservation Science Group.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience in a dynamic research environment with potential career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in climate conservation while honing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Passion for nature, coding skills, and a relevant degree are essential.
- Other info: Collaborate with experts and contribute to impactful climate finance projects.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Duration: Nine months of funding is available and the preferred start date for the role is February 2026.
About Us: The Cambridge Centre for Carbon Credits (4C) is dedicated to using a digital approach to direct climate finance to where it is most needed. We are seeking a motivated individual to join our interdisciplinary team. If you have excellent critical thinking skills, experience in coding, and a passion for nature conservation, we want to hear from you.
The Role: As a Research Assistant, you will be part of a multidisciplinary team developing best practice approaches for measuring the impact of natural climate solutions, such as forest conservation and restoration. Your role involves developing and refining open-source algorithms to evaluate project impact and which can generate 'dynamic baselines' for issuing carbon credits. You will be working in a fast-paced research environment at the University of Cambridge with strong ties to carbon markets through the SHIFT-CM network, making the research highly applied. Your role includes collating pertinent data, developing software, running statistical analyses and presenting results in various formats.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce and refine best practice guidance for implementing dynamic baselines
- Work closely with 4C's Head of Science and with stakeholders at SHIFT-CM to determine the analyses underpinning the best practice guidance
- Develop and refine 4C's open-source algorithms to produce dynamic baselines for natural climate solutions projects
- Evaluate project design documents meticulously, collating and curating pertinent data and narrative information
- Prepare reports for the centre's Head of Science and other stakeholders, facilitating the expansion of climate change mitigation through the conservation and restoration of nature
Project Background and Aims: Carbon credits are a vital mechanism for financing the conservation and restoration of natural habitats, mitigating global climate change, and protecting biodiversity. However, the adoption of nature-based carbon credits faces challenges due to the lack of objective, scalable, and transparent techniques. 4C and SHIFT-CM aim to address this by developing best practice guidelines for implementing dynamic baselines and unambiguously measure project impact.
Required Skills & Qualifications
- Relevant Bachelors or Masters in science, or another quantitative/analytical subject
- A passion for nature in the context of solving the climate crises
- Ability to carefully and critically evaluate reports
- Proficiency in handling various data types, including tabular and geospatial data
- Computer programming experience including command line and statistical software such as R or Python
- An understanding of the principles of reproducible research methods (e.g. version control, GitHub)
- Experience with Geographic Information Systems
- Experience of statistical analysis and scientific writing
- Good organization and time management skills
- A proactive approach to seeking guidance
- Ability to communicate research findings clearly in oral and written formats to collaborators and other members of the group
Applications are welcome from internal candidates who would like to apply for the role on the basis of a secondment from their current role in the University. Informal enquiries are welcome and should be directed to: Dr Tom Swinfield [email: tws36@cam.ac.uk]. For queries regarding the application process, please contact Paulina Lasocka [email: hr@zoo.cam.ac.uk]. Please quote reference PF48364 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.
Research Assistant: Conservation Science Group - Dynamic Baselines for Carbon Markets (Fixed Term) in Cambridge employer: University of Cambridge
Contact Detail:
University of Cambridge Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant: Conservation Science Group - Dynamic Baselines for Carbon Markets (Fixed Term) in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Cambridge, especially those in the Conservation Science Group. A friendly chat can give us insider info and might just put your name on their radar.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a mini portfolio showcasing your coding projects or any relevant research you've done. This will help us demonstrate your passion for nature conservation and your analytical prowess during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with common interview questions related to conservation science and data analysis. We can even do mock interviews together to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we’re always looking for motivated individuals who are ready to make a difference in climate finance.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant: Conservation Science Group - Dynamic Baselines for Carbon Markets (Fixed Term) in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Assistant role. Highlight your relevant skills in coding, data analysis, and your passion for nature conservation. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t hold back on showcasing your experience with statistical software like R or Python. If you've worked with Geographic Information Systems or have a knack for handling different data types, let us know! We love seeing those skills in action.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to communicate your research experience and findings. Remember, we appreciate clarity just as much as complexity!
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to hit that 'Apply' button on our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application in front of us. Plus, if you have any questions, feel free to reach out to Dr Tom Swinfield or Paulina Lasocka for guidance.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Cambridge
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends in conservation science and carbon markets. Familiarise yourself with dynamic baselines and how they impact carbon credits. This will show your passion for the role and your commitment to staying informed.
✨Show Off Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your coding experience, especially with R or Python. Prepare examples of how you've used these skills in past projects, particularly in data analysis or developing algorithms. This will help demonstrate your technical proficiency.
✨Prepare Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. Inquire about the team dynamics, ongoing projects, or how they measure success in their research. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. You might need to present your findings or collaborate with non-technical stakeholders, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Consider doing mock interviews to refine your delivery.
