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- Tasks: Conduct impactful research on global methane politics, focusing on solid waste management.
- Company: Join a leading UK research university with a focus on environmental issues.
- Benefits: Enjoy 42 days of holiday, gym discounts, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in climate change research while developing your academic career.
- Qualifications: Background in environmental politics or political ecology is essential.
- Other info: Collaborate with a dynamic team across multiple countries and sectors.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an ambitious researcher looking for your next challenge? Do you have interests or background in environmental politics, political ecology or related areas? Do you want to further your career in one of the UKs leading research intensive Universities?
The Global Methane Politics project (METH-POL) is a five-year European Research Council-funded project led by Professor Jan Selby in the School of Politics and International Studies at Leeds. The overall objectives of this project are to contribute to global climate change research and practice by exploring:
- the distinctive political dynamics and challenges associated with methane emissions and methane emission reduction efforts;
- why methane emissions are proving so hard to control, despite their acknowledged importance as a short-term climate forcer and the abundance of low-cost technical mitigation solutions.
The project will involve research across five major methane emitting sectors – livestock, oil and gas, solid waste, coal, and wastewater – and in more than a dozen countries spanning global North and South, and every continent. The project adopts a broadly political ecology theoretical approach, and will involve research at many different scales, from international policy arenas right down to the level of individual mines, farms and treatment plants where methane is emitted and governed in practice. The project will principally make use of qualitative methods, especially documentary analysis, interviews and observations.
The 3 Research Fellows will join the project for three years from September 2026, focusing respectively on:
- livestock,
- oil and gas,
- solid waste.
For each of these fellowships, the core objectives will be to generate original research findings on their specific sector; to work with other members of the project team (the PI, project administrator, two PhD researchers, and other research fellows) to compare across sites, scales and sectors; and to explore the broader implications of these sectoral and comparative findings for methane and climate research and practice.
What we offer in return:
- 26 days holiday plus approx. 16 Bank Holidays/days that the University is closed by custom (including Christmas) – That’s 42 days a year!
- Health and Wellbeing: Discounted staff membership options at The Edge, our state-of-the-art Campus gym, with a pool, sauna, climbing wall, cycle circuit, and sports halls.
- Personal Development: Access to courses run by our Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.
- Access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts and travel schemes are also available.
To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact the METH-POL project team at: methpol@leeds.ac.uk
While this advert is specifically for the Global Methane Politics fellowship on Solid Waste, those interested in this position are asked to apply via the link for all 3 positions. Those interested in more than one of the Global Methane Politics fellowship positions are requested to only make one application: multiple applications are not required. Applications should be accompanied by a cover letter, which should set out:
- which of the 3 research fellow positions you wish to be considered for (or whether you wish to be considered for all 3 positions); and
- how you would be interested in approaching the study of global methane politics (including how your proposed approach would build upon your own interests, skills and/or experiences).
Research Fellowships in Global Methane Politics (Solid Waste) in Leeds employer: University of Leeds
Contact Detail:
University of Leeds Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellowships in Global Methane Politics (Solid Waste) in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former researchers in the field of global methane politics. A casual chat can give you insights into the project and might even lead to a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the latest research on methane emissions. Show us that you're not just passionate but also knowledgeable about the challenges and solutions in this area.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach when discussing your research interests. Make sure to highlight how your background aligns with the specific sector you’re applying for, whether it’s solid waste, livestock, or oil and gas.
✨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 love seeing candidates who are proactive about their applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellowships in Global Methane Politics (Solid Waste) in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Make sure to customise your cover letter for the specific fellowship you're applying for. Highlight your interests and experiences that align with the research on solid waste and global methane politics. This shows us that you’re genuinely interested in the role!
Showcase Your Research Skills: In your application, emphasise your research skills, especially qualitative methods like documentary analysis and interviews. We want to see how you can contribute to our project’s objectives and bring fresh insights into methane emissions.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that directly address the questions posed in the job description. Avoid fluff and focus on what makes you a great fit for the fellowship.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for all relevant positions. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Leeds
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest research and developments in global methane politics, especially related to solid waste. Familiarise yourself with key concepts in environmental politics and political ecology, as well as the specific challenges of methane emissions. This will show your genuine interest and expertise during the interview.
✨Tailor Your Application
When writing your cover letter, be specific about which of the three research fellow positions you're applying for and how your background aligns with that focus. Highlight any relevant experiences or skills that make you a great fit for the role, particularly in qualitative research methods like interviews and documentary analysis.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the METH-POL project, its objectives, and the team dynamics. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the position is right for you. Think about how you can contribute to the project’s goals and what you want to learn from it.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
Since the project involves working closely with other researchers, be ready to discuss your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you've successfully collaborated on research projects in the past, and emphasise your ability to compare findings across different sectors and scales, as this is crucial for the role.
