Research Associate in Peatland Restoration

3 weeks ago


Bristol, United Kingdom University of Bristol Full time

**The role**:
The School of Geographical Sciences is seeking a Research Associate for 36 months to investigate knowledge controversies around peatland restoration for carbon storage. The role is part of a wider project, funded by the Leverhulme Trust, which will explore the challenges of rewetting peatlands to function as natural climate solutions. You will work collaboratively with social science colleagues at the Universities of Bristol and Birmingham, and with wider stakeholders and communities involved in the management, use and restoration of peatland landscapes at case study sites in the UK and Estonia.

This position presents an exciting opportunity to work at the forefront of interdisciplinary research on natural climate solutions. To date, most research into peat restoration has focused on ecological science, studying how GHG emissions from peatlands will respond to future environmental change and landscape interventions. Yet peatlands are not just complex ecosystems. Given their diverse cultural importance and value as economic resources, they can be better understood as “peat-scapes”—dynamic, working landscapes whose ultimate purpose and value is contested by different social groups. This project, accordingly, views restoration as a thorny social process bringing carbon-based imperatives into conflict with other ways of knowing and valuing peat natures.

You will join a new, energetic and well-supported project team, led by Dr James Palmer (University of Bristol) and Dr Kärg Kama (University of Birmingham).

**What will you be doing?**:
You will lead data collection and analysis relating to two case study sites in the UK, including several months of on-site fieldwork. Key tasks include the use of participatory research methods, such as walking interviews and photovoice, to trace the “knowledge controversies” around peatland restoration and its place-specific implications for extant ways of living and working with peat. In addition, you will work with the wider project team to trace the emerging international geographies of peat restoration science and carbon accounting, drawing on a combination of desk-based policy analysis and interviews with peatland ecologists, restoration managers, funders and volunteers, as well as industry representatives and members of local communities. In the final stages of the project, you will co-design and co-facilitate a multi-stakeholder workshop, deploying inclusive, participatory approaches for developing place-specific visions of future peat-scapes in the UK, wherein climate objectives can be integrated with wider social and environmental goals.
- You are enthusiastic to undertake research on natural climate solutions that draws upon diverse academic, stakeholder and public perspectives
- You have a relevant postgraduate degree at PhD level in human geography, environmental politics, anthropology, science and technology studies, or a related discipline
- You have some previous experience of using qualitative research methods, including interviews, focus groups and/or participant observation, as well as policy and textual analysis.
- You are able to communicate complex information clearly to a range of audiences, and to work collaboratively with people from contrasting disciplines and backgrounds

**Additional information**:
We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

**_The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an _**
**_inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential._**
**_ We want _**
**_to attract, develop, and retain individuals_**
**_ with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives - particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution._**

**Available documents**:

- Further Particulars - School of Geographical Sciences 22-23.pdf
- ACAD106692 - Research Associate - JD.pdf

JOB NUMBER***

**ACAD106692**:
CONTRACT TYPE/WORK PATTERN***

**Open ended / Full time**:
CLOSING DATE***

**31 Mar 2023**:
FACULTY/DIVISION***

**Faculty of Science**:
SALARY***

**£35,333 - £39,745 per annum**:



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