College of Life and Environmental Sciences – Geography
This full-time post is available for three years from 1 January 2022 on a fixed term basis until 31 December 2024.
The College wishes to recruit a Research Fellow to participate in the MISTRA Electrification research consortium. The post is based at Geography, Streatham campus in Exeter, Devon.
To respond to the climate emergency, Sweden plans to double the quantity of electricity generated using low carbon technologies such as wind energy. The MISTRA Electrification research consortium aims to create actionable knowledge for a feasible and fair transition to a sustainable, efficient energy system in Sweden. The program of research will help to realise the potential for low-carbon electricity to decarbonise industry, heating and transport; inform decisions taken by government and industry; accelerate Sweden’s progress towards its energy and climate targets; and support mutual learning regarding the unfolding energy transition.
Summary of the role
The post will involve conducting research (including fieldwork in Sweden as appropriate) on citizen engagement with low carbon energy projects. This will encompass work with stakeholders from policy and business sectors critically exploring assumptions about social acceptability and community objections, as well as work with citizens on low carbon energy technologies (e.g. wind energy projects) in different regional and landscape contexts.
About you
The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals, identify sources of research funding, contribute to the process of securing funds, and make presentations at conferences and other events.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in Human Geography, Environmental Psychology or other relevant social science and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will be able to extend intellectual understanding on the social acceptability of energy transitions, undertake research of high methodological rigour, write up findings in high quality journal publications and generate impact on policy and practice. You will have the ability to conduct fieldwork in Sweden, work collaboratively with other disciplines, and to communicate effectively with stakeholders.
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What we can offer you
The University of Exeter
We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2019). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.
Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is of international quality (2014 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Exeter is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City. In 2019, Devon was voted as having the best quality of life of anywhere in England and Wales, making it a popular choice for both work and study.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity at Exeter
With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment in which to work. We are an equal opportunity employer, a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Since 2019, the university has also signed an Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating the University’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.
Further information
For further information please contact Professor Patrick Devine-Wright, e-mail p.g.devine-wright@ex.ac.uk or telephone (01392) 722298.
The closing date for completed applications is 25 October 2021.
The College is working towards department Silver Athena SWAN awards as a commitment to providing equality of opportunity and advancing the representation of women in STEM/M subjects: science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine.