Research fellow (BOLSTER project)

• Responsible for oversight and delivery of BOLSTER (EU-funded) project

• Collaborative and dynamic international team

• High level proficiency in English and working rights in Spain

• Full time, ongoing position, €35K negotiable based on experience

• Based in Barcelona, flexible work environment including remote working

Who is RMIT Europe?

We’re the creative and dynamic European hub of RMIT University – a multi-sector university of technology, design, and enterprise with more than 91,000 students and 11,000 staff globally.

Based in the heart of Barcelona, our focus is on successfully extending RMIT’s international engagement and strategically growing the University’s collaborative research and education activity in Europe.

We facilitate RMIT's collaboration in the development of innovative pan-European projects attracting global knowledge from Europe, Australia, and Asia to deliver local impact.

We’re a collaborative and dynamic international team, passionate about driving impact through our work, celebrating our achievement, and having fun along the way.

Let’s talk about the role.

As a key member of the project group at RMIT Europe, the Research Fellow will be based at RMIT Europe in Barcelona and primarily focus on delivering RMIT Europe’s objectives under the Horizon Europe project BOLSTER (Bridging Organizations and marginalized communities for Local Sustainability Transitions in EuRope), for which RMIT Europe will lead one work package and contribute to the implementation of the others.

The BOLSTER project aims to understand how marginalised communities are affected by European Green Deal (EGD) related policies and to inform structural, policy and program measures to ensure the post-carbon transition leaves no-one behind. To achieve this, the project will launch action research in ten European regions, seven of them at high risk of being affected by the EGD, as they have a high concentration of carbon-intensive industries. Research will entail the use of novel qualitative research methods and participatory planning approaches to enhance understanding of the unfolding post-carbon transition in the lives of marginalised communities and co-develop with them roadmaps for addressing the challenges and harnessing the opportunities the planned and ongoing transformation processes entail.

In addition, the incumbent will support the RMIT Europe Research & Innovation team in the development of new proposals for EU funding in her/his field of expertise.  

About the team.

You’ll be joining an ambitious (and fun-loving) team of experienced professionals who are passionate about making a difference and delivering real impact. Benefits of working at RMIT Europe include hybrid working arrangements, flexible salary benefits (transport, health insurance, childcare and restaurants) and free languages classes.

Let’s talk about you.

Big impact, Innovation, Leadership, Flexibility, Grow together

You will have previous research experience in two or more of the following

areas: just transition processes; quantitative social network analysis; qualitative research methods involving marginalized communities.

Demonstrated ability to clearly communicate research results, concepts, and knowledge is essential.

You’re a team player, highly collaborative and can also work independently.

Experience with developing competitive grants applications and demonstrated project management skills

You have a relevant tertiary qualification (PhD or equivalent research experience in sociology, political science, economics, geography, or a related discipline

preferred) and a minimum of 3 years research experience in in just transition processes and participatory stakeholder engagement

What will you be accountable for?

As directed by the BOLSTER academic lead and in consultation with the project coordinator and other relevant partners:

• Develop a research plan, approach, and guidelines to support project partners with institutional mapping, stakeholder identification, engagement and documentation of the capabilities and perceptions of representatives from marginalized communities at the project pilot sites

• Oversee and support the implementation of the specified research activities through the delivery of research methods trainings, targeted support and hands-on capacity building as needed

• Establish a local Just Transition Alliance, involving relevant policy, civil society, research, and other stakeholders at the pilot site in Spain, to guide and manage local field research and multi-stakeholder consultation processes

• Organize, in consultation with the local Just Transition Alliance, a series of multi-stakeholder fora at the pilot site in Spain and facilitate the visioning and road-mapping for the region

• Coordinate the participation of representatives from the pilot site in Spain in relevant capacity building activities organized by the project

• Document lessons learnt from the stakeholder engagement process at the pilot site in Spain, synthesize project results and contribute to the development and dissemination of relevant project deliverables, scientific, policy and media publications

• Liaise closely with other RMIT researchers and project partners to ensure the smooth and timely implementation of project activities

As directed by the Senior Manager, EU Project Office:

• Contribute to the development of grant applications building one’s own area of expertise and the experiences and knowledge generated through the project

• Participate in annual work planning and performance management processes.

• Perform other duties that may be required for the efficient operations of the RMIT Europe team.

Here’s how to apply:

Send us your CV and cover letter addressing why you’re the best person for the position by clicking on the ‘Apply’ link below. For more details, please see the position description below or contact Clara Caminal via email [email protected]

 PD - Research Fellow (Bolster Project).pdf

Applications Close:
27 Jun 2022 11.59 pm

RMIT Europe is the European hub of RMIT University, one of Australia's largest tertiary institutions. Based in Barcelona, we're focused on expanding RMIT’s reputation as a global university of technology, design and enterprise.