Researcher

Researcher

Earthwatch is recruiting a Researcher in the Innovation team to contribute to innovative
research that articulates and advances the impact of citizen science, to support delivery in
several European research projects, to assist with research and innovation grant fundraising,
and to disseminate the results of these projects to increase the impact of Earthwatch’s
research.

Earthwatch is an environmental charity and independent research organisation [earthwatch.org.uk]. Sitting within the Science, Policy and
Innovation department, the Innovation team collaborates with partners across Europe and Africa
on citizen-science projects, which are funded by European Union’s Horizon Europe and UK
Research and Innovation (UKRI) grants. All these projects focus on environmental challenges.

The Innovation team currently works on five active research projects:

• ProBleu [probleu.school]
• Iliad [ocean-twin.eu]
• Benchmarks [soilhealthbenchmarks.eu]
• Cheers [cheers-project.eu]
• Ruralities [ruralities-project.eu]

The Innovation team has recently been successful in securing funding for several new research
projects which started in January and which this new role will directly support.

The ideal candidate is well-organised and an excellent communicator, with a keen focus on
ensuring the delivery of activities to a high standard. The ideal candidate has experience in
effective planning and working to agreed processes to deliver results, demonstrating
collaborative working across different teams. The ideal candidate can also work proactively
and independently, asking for guidance and support when necessary. Experience in working in a
robust and resilient way would be beneficial. This will be a varied role with lots of
opportunities for expanding experience and developing new skills. 

Who are we?

Earthwatch is an environmental charity with science at its heart. We drive the change needed to
live within our means and in balance with nature. We do this by connecting people with the
natural world, monitoring the health of our natural resources, and informing the actions that
will have the greatest positive impact. At Earthwatch, we believe in the value of creating
meaningful connections as a solution to the environmental and social challenges we face. Every
person has something to contribute towards a better future. When people feel a sense of
belonging, they are equipped with the power to create change towards a more inclusive,
equitable, and sustainable world.

We are driven by people I We are powered by science I We
connect with nature I We fight for our planet

Position title: Researcher
Location: Oxford, UK, with occasional national and international travel.
Earthwatch offers flexibility to work remotely within the UK, but the candidate will be
expected to be in the office once per week.
Reports to: Innovation Lead
Direct reports: None
Salary: £24,000 – £27,000 per annum, gross, full time equivalent, dependent on
experience
Hours: Full time (35 hours per week over 5 days) – part time option of 4
days per week will be considered for the right candidate
Contract: Fixed term for two years
Ideal start date: March 2024 (later start dates can be considered)
Closing date: Midday Wednesday 28 February 2024
Interviews: 06 – 07 March or 13 – 14 March 2024

The first interview will ideally be held in person at the Oxford office, however, we can offer
the flexibility to hold this virtually via video conference for applicants who live further
afield. The interview will include a task exploring citizen science, LLM and NEB & NbS
integration and will be provided to candidates upon invite to interview.

Earthwatch is committed to making any adjustments we can for short-listed candidates, to
facilitate participation in our interview process. Only shortlisted candidates will be
contacted.

Role purpose: 

To contribute to innovative research that articulates and advances the impact of citizen
science, to support delivery in several European research projects, to assist with research and
innovation grant fundraising, and to disseminate the results of these projects to increase the
impact of Earthwatch’s research.

Key tasks:  

• Contribute to research and innovation projects, for example writing reports and
  publications in close collaboration with all members of the Innovation team.
• Support state-of-the-art research, for example by conducting literature reviews for
  scientific papers and proposal preparation.
• Identify, coordinate and deliver dissemination opportunities and external communications to
  showcase project outputs in close collaboration with other teams including at conferences and
  other events.
• Create project-relevant newsletters, blogs and social-media content.
• Support the development of innovative ideas and approaches and share learning across the
  organisation.
• Identify and map research funding opportunities and make project proposal information
  easily available to the team.
• Assist with the project proposal preparation processes by setting up meetings, taking
  notes, working out timelines and curating and supplying organisational texts.
• Administer the internal knowledge base of research papers and project outputs and make them
  easily accessible.

The above list of job tasks is not exhaustive and the post holder will be required to
undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the
post 

Personal specification: 

We encourage candidates to apply even if they don’t meet all the following criteria.

Essential

• Qualified at least to degree level (in environmental science, social science, policy, or
  equivalent)
• A team player with excellent relationship management
• A well-organised and structured worker
• Flexible, self-motivated and goal-oriented, able to effectively prioritise multiple
  competing demands and deliver on time and under pressure
• Spoken and written fluency in English and ability to write clear, structured and persuasive
  texts in an academic or formal style

Desirable

• A strong communicator, comfortable speaking to a wide range of academic and non-academic
  audiences
• Willingness to fully participate in team discussions and debate: able to challenge others’
  ideas and open to being challenged
• A pro-active colleague: able to resolve issues and provide solutions
• Knowledge of qualitative and quantitative research methods
• A passion for citizen science and the environment, including a good understanding of
  current developments in the fields
• Fluency in multiple languages (other than English)

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; Earthwatch is unable to support visa
applications. 

Earthwatch is an equal opportunity employer. We believe that everyone has a contribution to
make, regardless of visible and invisible differences. We welcome and encourage individuals
from diverse backgrounds to apply, and we will consider all applications fairly and
consistently.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive working environment – a place where
individuality is embraced and everyone has the opportunity to thrive. We value the benefits
that different backgrounds, working approaches and ways of thinking can bring.