Research Associate

Salary

£38,067 - £44,078 per annum

Contractual hours

35

Basis

Full time

Region

Scotland - Central

Package

Attractive benefits, please see below

Date posted

16/10/2026

Job reference

REQ0691

About the team

SRUC has a well-established research agenda concerned with the socio-economic aspects of peatland and wetland management, with impactful engagement with rural communities, landowners and policy makers.

About the opportunity

To support research in the European research project Paludi4All, we are looking for a qualitative (but ideally mixed-methods) social scientist to support our team within the Department of Rural Economy, Environment and Society. The applicant should have experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams and strong scientific communication skills with a range of stakeholders. Ideally, the applicant has experience with research related to innovation in agricultural and/or bioeconomy supply chains.

Within the project, the role of the interdisciplinary/environmental social scientist will be to undertake qualitative and community based participatory research in relation to paludiculture production, value chains and governance. In collaboration with partners working on the economics and environmental impacts of paludiculture, the post holder will work with stakeholders of existing paludiculture systems (incl. input suppliers, producers, processors, end users) in a case study approach.

Further details of the requirements of the role can be found in the Job Particulars document.

Minimum qualifications and experience

The successful candidate will be Educated to at least SCQF Level 11. With a MSc degree a relative subject such as; social science or agri-environmental science.

Eligibility for Sponsorship

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. If you are a migrant worker you will need to ensure you have appropriate qualifications, skills, experience and meet all the appropriate criteria necessary for sponsorship.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave
• Enhanced pension contributions to contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted RAC Membership
• Generous family leave
• We encourage Continuing Professional Development with a tailored investment in an individuals' learning and development

How to Apply

Please, upload a sample work of yours in your application, preferably a published scientific paper. Chose a work which clearly demonstrates your research skills related to this job.

Interviews

For selected candidates, interviews will take place on the week commencing 02nd November, online.

Candidates invited to the interview will be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation on “What would be your approach to paludiculture value-chain research?”

Full details can be found in the Job Particulars document downloadable from the link above.

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