Conservation Scientist (Social Sciences) – Transforming Food-Farming Systems

Introduction 

The RSPB Centre for Conservation Science provides the evidence to help deliver RSPB’s
conservation mission. We have won funding for a three-year research project, “Just
transformation of food-farming systems: reconciling net zero and other land-use ambitions”
(JUSTLANZ), collaborating with the James Hutton Institute and the Universities of Leeds,
Cambridge and Cranfield.

This exciting new project aims to develop transformative pathways for a just transition to net
zero for the UK farming-food sector. Working with farmers and their communities, farming-food
sector experts, policy experts, academics, agricultural and conservation organisations,
JUSTLANZ integrates their knowledge with that from different academic disciplines.

JUSTLANZ will work in a pastoral landscape in each UK nation (Somerset Levels & Moors,
England; Lough Erne, Northern Ireland; Upper Clyde Valley, Scotland; and Gwent Levels, Wales)
testing how a participatory, transdisciplinary, holistic research approach can help realise
sustainable transitions while delivering multiple objectives.

If you want your research to support a just transformation of UK food-farming systems that
benefit nature, rural communities, and the environment, then this position is for you.

What’s the role about?

We are looking for an enthusiastic social scientist to lead the JUSTLANZ research delivery in
the Gwent Levels, collaborating closely with the Living Levels Landscape Partnership (LLLP).
Working closely with LLLP’s farmer engagement officer, you will be expected to develop and
nurture relationships of trust with the food-farming community in the Gwent Levels, which will
entail spending substantial time in the field.

Working in collaboration with researchers across the natural and social sciences you will
co-lead the research design, conceptually and methodologically in i) visioning and
participatory scenario development with farmers and food-farming system actors, and ii)
adaptive capacity of food-farming systems. You will ensure consistency and quality in research
design and methods across all case studies in the four UK nations, including providing/engaging
in knowledge-exchange activities with other team members where appropriate, and if required.

You will also be responsible for supporting the design of, and implementing, the rest of
JUSTLANZ’s farming related research in the Gwent Levels. This will include working closely with
three other post-doctoral researchers in the other UK case studies to deliver the project’s
research programme on farmers’ values and attitudes, food-farming system adaptive capacity, and
identification of just transformation pathways using a transdisciplinary approach.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience: 

• Proven scientific background (e.g. a PhD or equivalent experience managing a project) in a
  relevant subject or topic (e.g. sociology, ecological economics, political ecology, human
  geography)
• Experience in qualitative social sciences research techniques (interviews, focus groups)
  and participatory research.
• A strong background in participatory scenario planning, stakeholder engagement and
  transdisciplinary research
• Good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines, manage
  competing demands and work effectively under pressure
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including academic writing and
  presentation skills
• A proven ability to work well both individually and in a team
• Ability to access remote locations not accessible by public transport

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Familiarity with the literature on food-farming systems and system transformation
• Experience of engaging with farmers, rural communities and/or landowners/managers
• A proven track record of peer-reviewed publications in high quality journals
• Familiarity with the UK, Welsh and/or similar land management and farming contexts
• Familiarity with UK net zero, food security and biodiversity/environmental policies

This is a 3 year Fixed-Term/Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week. 

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on Wednesday 25 September. For further
information please contact [email protected]

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete
an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience
listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone
feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a
world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People
of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate,
sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled,
we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any
additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is eligible for sponsorship.