Research Associate GloNeW

Advert

Research Associate GloNeW
Geography and Planning
College of Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences

An exciting new opportunity has arisen for a Research Associate to join the school of Geography and Planning. this role will be responsible for conducting research on the transition to unconventional water in Morocco and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University, carrying out research leading to the publishing of high-quality research. To pursue excellence in research and to inspire others to do the same. 

This post is associated with the ERC/UKRI GloNeW project (Global Development and the Contradictions of New Water) (project code 525773), which is led by Dr. Joe Williams. The purpose of the project is to examine how new and unconventional water resources – such as water desalination and wastewater reuse – are being used to address chronic and worsening water challenges in Africa. The focus is on understanding the social, political and environmental implications of the transition to unconventional water, which is  seen by many experts as one of the most important – and potentially game-changing – responses to water crisis.

The post-holder will be responsible for developing the Morocco case study part of the project, under the supervision of Dr. Williams and project partners, including Dr. Pierre-Louis Mayaux (CIRAD, France). The post-holder will have a reasonable amount of flexibility in conceptual development, research design, fieldwork and data collection, and delivery of outputs, within the scope of the project. Ability to work collaboratively and independently is therefore important.

The post is fully funded by the project, and is available for a period of 48 months. The project includes a generous budget for fieldwork and conference participation.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Dr. Joe Williams ([email protected] ).

Informal enquiries in relation to the recruitment / application process can be sent to Carys Thomas, HR Administrator – [email protected] 

Informal inquiries can be made to Dr. Joe Williams ([email protected] ).

This post is full-time (35 hours per week), is fixed term until May 2028 and is available from June.

Salary: £39,347 - £44,263 per annum (Grade 6)

Date Advertised: 25 March 2024

Closing date: 29 April 2024

Please be aware that Cardiff University reserves the right to close this vacancy early should sufficient applications be received.

Cardiff University is committed to supporting all its employees in achieving the necessary balance between their work and their personal lives. As part of this commitment, the University has developed a flexible and responsive framework of support for staff in managing their work and personal commitments wherever possible. [Applications for posts on a part-time or job-share arrangement would also be considered].

Cardiff University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing, and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds.  We therefore welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, or age.  In supporting our employees to achieve a balance between their work and their personal lives, we will also consider proposals for flexible working or job share arrangements.

Cardiff University is a signatory to the San Francisco Declaration on Research Assessment (DORA), which means that in hiring and promotion decisions we will evaluate applicants on the quality of their research, not publication metrics or the identity of the journal in which the research is published. More information is available at:  Responsible research assessment - Research - Cardiff University

Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and an application submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.

Job Description

Research

• To conduct fieldwork and research on the transition to unconventional water in Morocco and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in high-quality academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students. 
• To develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research including research funding proposals
• To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local, national and international level as required
• To undertake administrative tasks associated with the research project, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting
• To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate
• To review and synthesise existing research literature within the field
• To participate in School research activities.
• To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions,   explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of research projects

Other

• To engage effectively with industrial, commercial and public sector organisations, professional institutions, other academic institutions etc., regionally and nationally  to raise awareness of the School’s profile, to cultivate strategically valuable alliances, and to pursue opportunities for collaboration across a range of activities. These activities are expected to contribute to the School and the enhancement of its regional and national profile.
• To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
• To participate in School administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world
• Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications and Education

Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in Human Geography or a related subject area (e.g. development studies, political sciences, anthropology, sociology) or relevant equivalent experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant experience, demonstrating a knowledge and understanding of the fields of social/political dimensions of water resources and infrastructure, political ecology and/or international development.

Knowledge of current status of research on unconventional water and political ecology.

Proven ability to publish in national/international journals and present at national/international conferences.

Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.

Ability to conduct research in North African contexts (particularly Morocco), including relevant language skills (Moroccan Arabic, Modern Standard Arabic and/or French), and to conduct research on politically sensitive issues.

Communication and Team Working

Proven ability in effective and persuasive communication, particularly in working in international research teams, building trust with multiple stakeholders.

Ability to work closely with project supervisors and partners, to supervise the work of others and to focus team efforts.

Other

Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work.

Proven ability to work without close supervision.

Desirable Criteria

Experience of working in North African contexts.

Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance the research activities of the School.

Additional Information

IMPORTANT: Evidencing Criteria

It is Cardiff University's policy to use the person specification as a key tool for shortlisting. Therefore, candidates must evidence they meet ALL the essential criteria and, where relevant, the desirable.

As part of the application process, you are asked to provide this evidence via a supporting statement. Please ensure that the evidence you are providing corresponds with the numbered criteria outlined in the person specification. Your application will be considered based on the information you provide for each criterion.

When attaching the supporting statement to your application profile, please ensure you name it with the vacancy reference number: 18332BR.

Your application will be at risk of not being progressed if you do not evidence you have met all essential criteria. The school welcomes the submission of CVs to accompany evidence of the job-based criteria.

Job Category

Academic - Research