Job Summary Table of Carbon Research

Carbon Research Opportunity: Exploring Carbon Plantations in Wales 🌳

Job Description Summary

This Research Fellow position offers an exciting opportunity to conduct ethnographic fieldwork analyzing the growth of carbon plantations and afforestation investments in Carmarthenshire, Wales as part of an ESRC-funded research project. The role involves interviewing farmers and community members, exploring impacts of forestry policies, and developing policy recommendations.

Research Fellow Responsibilities

• Plan and conduct ethnographic fieldwork in Carmarthenshire, Wales under PI guidance
• Interview farmers and community members surrounding Brechfa Forest to gather life stories and experiences related to forestry impacts
• Visit carbon plantations and afforestation projects to analyze their form, diversity, and aesthetic qualities
• Host participatory research sessions with local communities alongside the Principal Investigator
• Analyze collected research materials and contribute to understanding carbon and reforestation policies
• Collaborate on academic journal papers documenting research findings
• Contribute to developing policy advice on carbon offsetting, land restoration, and food systems

Benefits and Perks

• Competitive salary range (£38,249 to £45,413 per annum)
• Flexible working options available (subject to business need)
• Beautiful 150-acre campus next to the South Downs
• Excellent public transport connections (Falmer train station and multiple bus stops)
• Cycle to work scheme with dedicated cycling paths
• Collaborative research environment within the School of Global Studies
• Opportunity to contribute to critical climate and environmental policy development
• Professional development within a globally-recognized research institution

Carbon Research University Overview

The University of Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University situated in Brighton, UK. The School of Global Studies serves as a global hub addressing pressing global issues including environmental change, climate justice, social justice, migration, and inequality. Their mission centers on generating transformative research and real-world teaching that equips students with knowledge and skills needed for creating a fairer, safer, more sustainable and inclusive world.

Environmental Research Culture

The School of Global Studies stands out for its interdisciplinary approach across departments, courses and research centers. The school maintains an ambitious global outlook while embracing decolonizing, anti-racist and reparative justice approaches to teaching, research and civic engagement. The carbon plantations research project exemplifies the university’s commitment to curiosity-driven teaching and research that addresses the social, environmental, economic and political challenges facing our world today.

Forestry Research Career Growth Opportunities

This 6-month research fellowship provides valuable experience in environmental policy research with real-world applications. The position offers networking opportunities with experts in climate change, land use, forestry, and sustainable agriculture. Successfully contributing to this ESRC-funded project can enhance your research profile and publication record, positioning you for further academic or policy-focused career advancement in sustainability fields.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

The University of Sussex values diversity among its staff and students and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds. The institution is committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives contribute to addressing global challenges. This commitment extends to the research approach, which emphasizes understanding diverse community experiences and impacts of environmental policies.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Sussex is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

Remote Work Policy for Carbon Research

This position offers flexible working arrangements with the possibility of remote work, subject to business needs. The role requires fieldwork in Carmarthenshire, Wales, but other aspects of research preparation and analysis can be conducted remotely. The university provides support for hybrid working arrangements while ensuring research quality and team collaboration are maintained.

Application Process for Environmental Research Position

1. Review the full job description and person specification
2. Submit your application through the University of Sussex vacancies page
3. If shortlisted, attend an interview (expected interview dates: June 9-13, 2025)
4. If successful, prepare for an August 2025 start date

Application Deadline

Applications must be submitted by June 2, 2025, 4:29 AM.

How to Apply for Forestry Research Role

For full details and to submit your application, visit the University of Sussex vacancies page. For informal enquiries, contact Dr. Will Lock at W.Lock@Sussex.ac.uk. The university welcomes enquiries regarding workplace and role adjustments.

Additional Carbon Research Position Information

This position is fixed-term for 6 months with an expected start date of August 2025. The role has been assigned an eligible SOC code and meets the salary requirements for Skilled Worker Sponsorship if full-time. Applicants requiring visa sponsorship should consult the University’s Skilled Worker Visa information page for further details.

The ideal candidate will have (or be about to obtain) a PhD in a relevant field such as anthropology, sociology, geography or development studies, or possess equivalent experience in farming, forestry or land-use research. Strong qualitative research skills, particularly ethnographic methods, are essential. The role requires the ability to manage independent workloads while collaborating effectively with the research team.

While not essential, a working knowledge of the Welsh language would be highly beneficial for this position, as would a keen interest in debates around land use, forestry, food systems, climate change, and an appreciation for the Welsh cultural context.

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