Postdoctoral Research Associate: ‘Rethinking Natural Resources’

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for a full-time, fixed-term Postdoctoral Research Associate within a novel interdisciplinary programme, Rethinking Natural Resources, which aims to explore new, unconventional sources of raw materials, devise new strategies for their recovery and implement new ways to ensure equitable access to communities where these resources occur through a case study of the Caribbean Island of Montserrat. To do this requires an ambitious, multidisciplinary ‘what if’ approach.

The Role

Reporting to and supported by a supervisorial team of Dr Amanda Power, Professor David Pyle and Dr Caitlin McElroy, the post holder will be part of a highly interdisciplinary research network working independently to carry out research for the Oxford Martin School’s Rethinking Natural Resources programme. The successful candidate will undertake archival, literature and field work to examine relevant aspects of Montserrat’s history and from these prepare working theories and analyse qualitative and/or quantitative data, reviewing and refining theories as appropriate, and draw on and develop research methodologies on the impact of extractive industries on populations and environments in the Global South as a lens to examine the unique contemporary situation on Montserrat.

About you

You will hold a doctorate in a relevant field or evidence that a doctorate is close to completion, together with relevant experience in a relevant subject. The successful applicant will have experience of research methodologies that explore community perspectives, and a track record of successful engagement with local communities. They will also have excellent written and oral communication skills and the ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team of researchers across the physical sciences, social sciences and humanities. Experience of working in the Caribbean or other regions of the Global South as well as expertise on one or more regions affected by extraction and/or its aftermath would be desirable.

Application process

For an informal discussion about this opportunity from a History perspective, please contact Dr Venus Bivar, Associate Professor of Environmental History: [email protected]. For information on other aspects of the project, please contact Professor David Pyle in Earth Sciences: [email protected].  All practical and procedural queries should be sent to our recruitments team: [email protected]. All enquiries will be treated in strict confidence; they will not form part of the selection decision.

As part of the online application process, you should provide a supporting statement setting out how you meet the selection criteria, a curriculum vitae and the names and contact details of two referees.

Only applications submitted online and received before noon Tuesday 12th March 2024 will be considered.

Please note that you will receive an automated email from our online recruitment portal to confirm receipt of your application. Please check your spam/junk mail if you do not receive this email. You may also receive updates on the status of your application via the same means.

Committed to equality and valuing diversity