At a Glance
- Tasks: Explore barriers and opportunities in renewable energy repowering for the Orkney Islands.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh's dynamic Earth Initiative team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Exciting networking opportunities and a supportive community focused on sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on climate change while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Current PhD student at the University of Edinburgh with research project experience.
The predicted salary is between 22.5 - 22.5 £ per hour.
Grade UE07: £41,064 - £48,822 per annum, pro-rata as part-time
Part-time: 9 hours per week
Fixed-term: for nine months from September 2026
Earth Fellowships are only open to current postgraduate and PhD 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.
The Opportunity:
The School of Geosciences and School of Social and Political Science are looking for a PhD student to explore the barriers and opportunities that arise when communities need to repower (upgrade or replace) renewable energy infrastructure. This 9-month project focuses on the experiences of the Orkney Islands archipelago.
This post will be appointed at Grade UE07, step 1 which is £41,064 per annum, pro-rata (£22.50 per hour).
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.
Your skills and attributes for success:
- Current University of Edinburgh PhD student in the ‘26/’27 academic year.
- Interest in the social and technical considerations of upgrading or replacing aging renewable energy infrastructure for communities such as those on the Orkney Islands.
- Experience running research projects alongside communities, for example with disseminating surveys and running semi-structured interviews.
- Experience with documentary analysis.
- Excellent communication skills including the ability to communicate complex information clearly, both in writing and in oral presentations.
- Ability to work proactively with colleagues and external collaborators with a variety of expertise; understanding and valuing different points of view.
- Willingness to act as a tutor on the MSc fieldtrip to the Orkney Islands in April 2027 (not essential).
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work alongside the Edinburgh Earth Initiative team and Earth Fellows community which includes postgraduate and PhD students as well as the wider student community, academics, professional services, and global partners working on climate and environmental change. We give you support, nurture your talent and reward success.
You will benefit from a competitive reward package and a wide range of staff benefits, which includes a generous holiday entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, flexible working and much more.
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.
Key dates to note:
The closing date for applications is 6th August 2026. Unless stated otherwise, the closing time for applications is 11:59 pm GMT (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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Earth Fellow: Repowering in the Orkney Islands in Edinburgh
✨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 University of Edinburgh. Check out their careers page too!
We think you need these skills to ace Earth Fellow: Repowering in the Orkney Islands in Edinburgh
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 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.
