Researcher OR Research Associate
Fixed Term for 3 Years in the first instance
Annual salary: Research Associate: £24-27k; Researcher: £27-31k
The Centre for Mountain Studies and the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable
Mountain Development are based in Perth, at Perth College UHI, an
Academic Partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands. We are
looking for a Researcher or Research Associate, who will play a key role in
the Centre, working on all aspects of project development and
implementation, and teaching modules in the online MSc in Sustainable
Mountain Development.
To succeed in this exciting role, you will have a PhD in a relevant discipline
and will be able to demonstrate research competence. We are looking for
someone who will submit successful proposals for research and consulting
project opportunities to generate external income. Excellent communications
skills and a strong interest in knowledge exchange are also important.
You will represent the Centre to both internal and external stakeholders, as
well as supervising postgraduate students.
The post will commence on 1 January 2014 for three years in the first
instance.
For a recruitment pack, please apply online at www.perth.ac.uk or telephone
01738 877444.
Apply on-line at www.perth.ac.uk or telephone 01738 877444
Closing date: Friday 4 October 2013
Interviews: in Perth on Thursday 24 October 2013
We are positive about disabled people and guarantee to
interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum
criteria for this vacancy.
Job Description
Researcher OR Research Associate
Fixed Term for 3 Years in the first instance
Purpose of Post
To work on all aspects of project development and implementation, and teach on the
online MSc in Managing Sustainable Mountain Development.
Key Activities
The postholder will be expected to:
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Undertake innovative research and consultancy.
Identify research and consulting project opportunities and liaise with potential
funders.
Develop and submit successful proposals for research and consulting projects.
Submit and publish articles in peer-reviewed academic journals.
Engage in knowledge exchange activities with relevant stakeholders and nonspecialist audiences.
Deliver modules in the on-line MSc Sustainable Mountain Development.
Supervise postgraduate research students undertaking MSc and PhD
dissertations.
Work effectively with the CMS team.
Organise and manage work flow with minimal supervision.
Represent the CMS, Perth College UHI, or UHI on external bodies.
Engage in aspects of CMS, College, and UHI administration as required.
This job description does not present an exhaustive list of activities and the post
holder is required to undertake other activities as reasonably instructed
commensurate with the role and grade in fulfilment of the purpose of the post.
Reporting Structure
The post holder reports to the Director, Centre for Mountain Studies.
Terms and Conditions
This post is governed by support staff terms and conditions, which are subject to
collective bargaining processes.
Equality and Diversity
The post holder is expected to be familiar with and to comply with the terms of the
College’s Equal Opportunities Strategy and associated schemes.
Health and Safety
The post holder is expected to be familiar with and to comply with the terms of the
College’s policies and procedures ensuring the health, safety and well-being of staff,
students and visitors.
There are no identified specific health and safety risks or training needs associated
with this post.
Person Specification
Researcher OR Research Associate
Fixed Term for 3 Years in the first instance
The successful applicant will:
 Demonstrate a high degree of competence in the rigorous design and
application of research methodologies.
 Have a record of peer-reviewed publication.
 Have experience of developing research proposals.
 Have excellent communication skills (oral and written), with a strong interest
in knowledge exchange with diverse audiences.
 Have a PhD in a relevant discipline.
 Have an interest in distance learning.
 Have an interest in supervising MSc and PhD students.
 Be able to work effectively as part of a team.
 Be proactive and work autonomously.
 Be able to plan and meet deadlines.
 Be able to use standard word processing, internet and e-mail programmes.
 Be willing to travel in the UK and internationally.
The following would be desirable:
 Expertise in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research.
 Experience of working as a member of a research project team.
 Evidence of external income generation from research and consultancy.
 Membership of appropriate professional bodies and learned societies.
 Knowledge of Scottish, UK, and preferably European environmental and
rural/mountain development issues, policies, and organisations.
 Range of publications: e.g., peer-reviewed journals, conference papers,
popular articles.
 Experience of public and/or stakeholder engagement in research.
 Experience of supervising MSc and PhD students.
 Experience of teaching at Masters level, preferably on-line.
 Experience of working in an interdisciplinary environment.
 Experience with web authoring and data management/analysis software.
 Current driving licence.
Perth College UHI expects that all staff recruited to the College will demonstrate
the following personal attributes and values:
 High level of commitment to improving people’s lives through learning.
 Outstanding levels of professional competence.
 High levels of personal integrity and respect for others.
 Ability to work well as part of a team.
 Ability to show initiative.
 Positive and proactive in responding to the needs of the College, students
and other staff.
 Values diversity with strong commitment to promoting equality and
business excellence in all we do.