Research Associate - Urban water resilience (sub-Saharan Africa)

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Research Associate: Urban water resilience (sub-Saharan Africa)
School of Geography and Planning

Interested in what makes cities resilient to water shocks, and how individual behaviours and attitudes might influence this? We have an opportunity for a quantitative researcher with an interest in African urbanisms to join a vibrant research community at Cardiff University. Working with Dr. Adrian Healy as part of a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, the successful applicant will be involved in the design and analysis of quantitative sample surveys of households in four major cities in Africa. The research considers the role of individual decision-making regarding urban water supplies in collective resilience outcomes.

The post is offered for up to two years in the first instance, starting in January 2022, with opportunities to develop your own associated research interests. 

The post is full-time and fixed-term until 31st December 2023.

Salary: £34,304 - £40,927 (appointments will be made at the bottom of Grade 6 scale.) 

Date advert posted: Friday, 17 September 2021

Closing Date: Friday, 15 October 2021 

For informal enquiries about the post please contact Dr. Adrian Healy ([email protected] ). For further details about working at Cardiff University’s School of Geography and Planning please contact [email protected] .

This post has previously been advertised to employees of Cardiff University only.  We now invite external applications.

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 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: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk/research/our-research-environment/integrity-and-ethics/responsible-research-assessment”

Job Description

Research

•    To conduct quantitative research in the field of urban water resilience in sub-Saharan Africa and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national 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 and national 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
1.    Postgraduate degree at PhD level in a related subject area (Human Geography; International Development; Urban Studies, Environmental studies) or relevant equivalent experience.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience
2.    An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience demonstrating a knowledge and understanding of the field of urban resilience and urban water supplies and/or of international development.
3.    Skills in quantitative data analysis (using programmes such as SPSS or similar) and report writing.
4.    Knowledge of current status of research in the field of urban/water resilience.
5.    Proven ability to publish in relevant journals and conferences and/or other relevant research outputs, or a clear pathway to publication from PhD.
6.    Experience of working with international partners and in research teams.

Communication and Team Working
7.    Proven ability in effective communication, particularly working in international research teams.
8.    Ability to work closely with project supervisors and maintain regular communication with project partners and in-country researchers.
Other
9.    Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and team-working within work
10.    Proven ability to work without close supervision

Desirable Criteria
1.    Experience of working in low- and middle-income country settings.
2.    Experience of working in collaborations involving HEIs and industrial partners.
3.    Evidence of ability to participate in and develop both internal and external networks and utilise them to enhance research activities.

Job Category

Academic - Research