We are looking to recruit a postdoctoral applied economist to work within an interdisciplinary group including sociologists, anthropologists, geographers, psychologists and economists.  The postholder will contribute to and inform research at the James Hutton Institute using tools, theories and methods from the discipline of economics, and will provide evidence for relevant national and EU policies.

Main Purpose

The main purpose of the job will be to contribute to work within the 2022-2027 Scottish Government research programme, in particular, to components related to food waste, circular economy, and/or peat management, but it will also connect to a wider range of research at UK, European and global levels.  The post will deliver insights into the cost-effectiveness and value of land and environmental management interventions such as peatland restoration, as well as closely interact with interdisciplinary teams, in the development of computational models of decision making related to environmental outcomes.

This postholder will contribute to all aspects of the research cycle including the development  of research proposals, and the collection, analysis and presentation of data through peer reviewed publications and other knowledge exchange channels.

This is a fixed term maternity cover post with a duration of 14 months

Main Duties of Postholder

• Design and undertake empirical data collection (surveys, interviews, workshops)
• Analyse qualitative and quantitative data received from multiple innovations and locations across Europe and interpret supply chain and community level socio-economic impacts.
• Participate in team-based research across scientific disciplines, including with e.g., computer modellers, environmental scientists, and other social scientists
• Contribute to manuscripts suitable for appropriate international journals and conferences
• Contribute to relevant knowledge exchange activities/events with (farming and fishing) stakeholders and work with industry and policy partners
• Provide expertise in applied economics to interdisciplinary teams working within the Institute.
• Contribute to the work and procedures of the Science Group and the Institute.

Person Specification

Education/Experience/Skills

Essential

• PhD in a relevant discipline
• Solid grounding in principles and techniques associated with applied economic and statistical analysis
• Experience in literature reviews
• Strong team working skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Potential to publish high quality, peer-reviewed journal articles
•  Ability to relate theoretical concepts to real-world issues and vice versa
• Ability to design and undertake research with limited supervision
•  Excellent skills in developing accessible materials to support communication
• Fit with the ethos of the department and the Institute

Desirable

• Experience working with both academic and non-academic stakeholders
• An awareness of the open science movement, and an interest in applying open science principles within the social sciences
•  Experience working in an interdisciplinary team
• Track record of publication in academic journals
• Experience in a range of economic analysis/modelling approaches
• Excellent skills in developing accessible materials to support communication

We will not consider the use of 3rd party recruitment agencies for the sourcing of candidates for this position.  

The James Hutton Institute is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The James Hutton Institute is a: Stonewall Diversity Champion; Athena SWAN Bronze Status Holder; Disability Confident Committed Employer and a Living Wage Employer.

The James Hutton Institute is Happy to Talk Flexible Working.