Applied economist - Ecological / Environmental / Behavioural Economist

Job content

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.

All potential applicants are encouraged to scroll through and read the complete job description before applying.

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

Essential

Education/Experience/Skills

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