Senior Research Associate/Research Associate (A2522)

We welcome applications for this full-time post, tenable until March 2021, working with Dr Jess Davies (Lancaster Environment Centre), Dr Lingxuan Liu (Lancaster Management School).

You will join an interdisciplinary research project examining how urban food growing and urban greening influences the sustainability, resilience and health of our food system. The project is funded by BBSRC, ESRC, NERC and the Scottish Government under the Resilience of the UK food system in a global context third call and is a collaboration between the Lancaster University, University of Liverpool, and Cranfield University.

As part of the project team, you will be responsible for two main research strands in the project. You will explore the potential for urban food production at the UK scale and what this contributes in terms of food system resilience; and investigate ecosystem service delivery from green spaces and food growing projects in UK cities

This research will involve literature/data synthesis, spatial analysis, and engagement with key stakeholders such as city councils, community food projects, and policy makers. These research strands will help us understand the current and potential value of urban food production to food system resilience and sustainable ecosystems.

You will have a PhD in a relevant area (or be near completion for appointment at grade 6) and a demonstrable interest in the research area of urban food systems and ecosystem services as we are seeking a candidate that shares our excitement for this work. Research experience with urban agri-food systems, ecosystem service assessment and/or material flow analysis is desirable. You will have strong skills in collating, manipulating and analysing large environmental and/or socioeconomic datasets, including spatial data and use of GIS software. 

This position starts on the 31st March 2019 or at a mutually agreed date. You are highly encouraged to contact Dr. Jess Davies (jess.davies@lancaster.ac.uk) before applying, as she can provide further information regarding the project. 

We are committed to family-friendly and flexible working policies on an individual basis. The department holds an Athena SWAN Bronze Award, which recognizes and celebrates good employment practice undertaken to address gender equality in Higher Education and research.

We welcome applications from people in all diversity groups.

Closing Date: 16 Jan 2019
Category: Research