The Countryside and Community Research Institute (CCRI) has announced an exciting opportunity for an early career researcher to join a major interdisciplinary project focused on land use and climate change. The position of Research Fellow offers a chance to contribute to cutting-edge work within the UK’s transition toward net zero emissions, while engaging with policymakers, industry stakeholders, and academic networks. About the Role This postdoctoral role is part of the FOOTPRINT project, one of five initiatives funded under the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) programme, Transforming Land Use for Net Zero, Nature and People. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering the social science components of the project, with a focus on greenhouse gas (GHG) assessment tools and their application across the UK land management sector. The Research Fellow will be responsible for coordinating and implementing a range of qualitative and participatory research activities. These include conducting semi-structured interviews and facilitating engagement with a diverse group of stakeholders such as farmers, supply chain actors, policymakers, advisory services, and GHG tool developers and users. The goal is to better understand how these tools are used in practice and how learning and governance around them can be improved. Key Responsibilities The role involves several core areas of responsibility: Designing and conducting qualitative research, including interviews and participatory workshops Analysing qualitative and survey data to generate insights into GHG assessment practices Contributing to the development and application of a Living Lab methodology Supporting the creation of a learning evaluation framework and impact pathway Assisting with project management and coordination alongside the Principal Investigator This position requires a high level of independence as well as the ability to collaborate effectively within a multidisciplinary team. Candidate Profile The ideal candidate will hold a PhD in a relevant discipline and demonstrate strong social science research skills. Experience with interdisciplinary research is essential, as is a proven track record in qualitative data collection, analysis, and academic publishing. Applicants should also have: A solid understanding of the GHG assessment landscape and key stakeholders Familiarity with land use policy and net zero strategies in the UK The ability to translate conceptual frameworks into practical research approaches Strong communication skills for engaging with both academic and non-academic audiences This role is particularly suited to individuals looking to build their academic career while gaining experience in applied, policy-relevant research. Career Development and Collaboration The position offers significant opportunities for professional growth. The successful candidate will engage with a wide network of collaborators, including UK government bodies, agricultural industry representatives, and academic partners. There will also be opportunities to connect with the broader LUNZ (Land Use for Net Zero) Hub and related projects, contributing to a growing field of research. CCRI provides a supportive and dynamic research environment, with a strong reputation for high-quality, impactful work. The institute was recognised in the REF 2021 assessment, with over 85% of its research rated as internationally significant. Working Arrangements The University supports flexible working through its Agile Working Policy. The role allows for a mix of remote and office-based work, depending on the needs of the project. Staff are expected to attend the office at least once per month and participate in key meetings, events, and team activities. Application Details Closing Date: 10 May 2026 Interview Date: 27 May 2026 Prospective applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Julie Ingram for further information about the role. Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Final Thoughts This Research Fellow position presents a valuable opportunity to contribute to one of the UK’s flagship research programmes on sustainable land use. It combines academic rigor with real-world impact, making it an ideal role for researchers passionate about climate change, agriculture, and policy innovation. LEARN MORE HERE For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.