Research Fellow in Deep Uncertainty, Environmental Governance and Science–Policy Engagement School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences 107121 Grade 7

Position Details

School of Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Do note due to limited funding the maximum salary to be offered is 36636

Grade: 7

Full Time Fixed Term contract up to August 2028

Closing date: 12th April 2026

Background

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to join the UKRI Frontier Research project DAWN: Illuminating Deep Uncertainties in the Estimation of IrrigationWater Withdrawals led by DrArnald Puy (University of Birmingham United Kingdom).DAWN merges philosophy anthropology hydrology and mathematical modelling to unfold analyse and assimilate the uncertainties ingrained in the modelling of global irrigation water demands. See the DAWN webpage () for more information about the projects rationale and recent outputs.

Role Summary

The successful candidate will design and drive a high-level strategy to position DAWNs findings on deep uncertainty in global irrigation modelling within scientific institutional and governance arenas. This includes designing stakeholder engagement strategies; fostering dialogue with policy-makers assessment bodies and modelling initiatives; contributing to high-level public forums and using research communication (talks policy briefs media contributions) as instruments to reach key actors and reshape ongoing debates. Other roles include:

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to generating funding
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues asset or company sales IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Main Duties

• Co-design the next phase of DAWN by developing strategic pathways to translate findings on deep structural uncertainty in global irrigation modelling into scientific institutional and governance contexts.
• Critically engage with modelling practices to examine how assumptions and uncertainties shape estimates of irrigation water withdrawals and how these should be interpreted and communicated beyond academia.
• Lead the synthesis and dissemination of results through high-quality publications policy briefs invited talks and targeted engagement with policy-makers modelling communities and relevant national and international institutions.

The candidate is also expected to pursue its own research interests within the scope of DAWN and develop an independent scientific profile. Other responsibilities will include:

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research.
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding.
• Disseminate research findings for publication research seminars etc.
• Contribute to developing new models techniques and methods.
• Provide guidance to DAWN PhD students where appropriate.
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration.
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
• Undertake management/administration arising from research.

Person Specification

We welcome applicants whose work spans multiple disciplines or challenges traditional academic boundaries as the focus is on interdisciplinary cross- disciplinary background. The ideal candidate holds a PhD (or is close to completion) in sustainability science research communication science and technology studies or environmental governance but above all demonstrate the intellectual courage to interrogate scientific modelling and operate across scientific and institutional boundaries. Other specifications include:

• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Arnald Puy email:

Use of AI in applications:We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyoneon our website.