Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Geography

We are seeking to appoint a full-time Postdoctoral Research Associate in Human Geography to work on the UKRI-funded Future Leader Fellowship "Digging into sand: new territories in the making" with Dr Laura Schoenberger.

The core aim of the project is to make sand extraction and its associated issues visible through an investigation of its particular geographies in terms of how and where it takes place and its effects on ecologies and livelihoods. This research 'follows the sand', starting with extraction points in Southeast Asia. The research objectives driving this study are designed to contribute to theoretical debates, activist work, and policy by constructing a political ecology of sand extraction; building the evidence base through new empirical knowledge; and analysing the different legal arrangements surrounding the mining and trade of sand.

The PDRA will take the lead on coordinating data collection and conducting field research one country in Southeast Asia. The post-holder will be responsible for developing a mix of case studies in areas along rivers and coastlines where sand extraction is either highly visible, or concealed, and where the sand industry is ushering in transformations in resource governance and state development goals. Each case study will involve literature and policy document review. The post-holder will be supported to conduct up to six-months of fieldwork over the two-year in post and will be supported to develop their networks with civil society and regional scholars, and to develop publications from the research. The post-holder will also work with the PI and other project staff to explore new ways to spatially and visually depict the workings of the sand industry. People with experience conducting critical social research on environment-society relations in any Southeast Asian country are welcome to apply. You do not need to have experience conducting research on the sand industry, but closely related research on issues such as land, resource conflict, access issues would be useful.

The post-holder will be based at Durham University but will be expected to work closely with civil society partners in Southeast Asia. They will be expected to travel to conduct field research during the course of the project. They will also be expected to ensure that the understandings and tools developed in this project are relevant to the research needs and skills of a wide range of potential stakeholders.

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses.

The post is fixed term for 24 months and is available from 1 June 2025. The project is time-limited and will end on 30 April 2028.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.