The College wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join an internationally recognised Circular Economy (CE) research team in the delivery of the recently announced UKRI National Interdisciplinary Circular Economy Hub (CE-Hub -
https://www.ukri.org/news/hub-to-provide-national-circular-economy-leadership/). The role will be instrumental in leading the development and initiation of a National CE Observatory and collaborating with researchers from Five National CE Research Centres (
https://www.ukri.org/news/circular-economy-centres-to-drive-uk-to-a-sustainable-future/#:~:text=The%20UK%20Research%20and%20Innovation%20(UKRI)%20interdisciplinary%20circular,economy%20will%20provide%20significant%20benefits%20by:%20reducing%20waste) to co-ordinate a data strategy and modelling framework to quantify the economic, social and environmental opportunity of a UK CE. The successful candidate will be a key reference point for developing the evidence base in collaboration with researchers across the five centres, other UK circular economy investments and other key industry and policy stakeholders in designing UK focused outputs. The candidate will require material resource flow and economic modelling capability with a track record of high-quality publication in a relevant field.
This post is available from 1st February 2021 to 30th September 2024. The successful applicant will play a lead role in developing the world’s first national CE-Observatory as part of the UKRI CE-Hub (
https://ce-hub.org/) to create a systemic data and modelling approach. Working with the Co-Directors of the CE-Hub and the Exeter Centre for the Circular Economy and wider team the successful candidate will be responsible for (1) Co-ordinating and structuring the underlying taxonomy and conceptual design of the observatory modelling and data framework; (2) Co- ordination of rapid, agile and iterative implementation and data population of the models and sub models to quantify outcomes and impacts; (3) Co-ordinate a CE metrics and indicator dashboard and data strategy for institutionalizing and embedding this observatory across the relevant industrial and governmental stakeholders; (4) Co-ordinate a CE data strategy for institutionalizing and embedding the CE-Observatory across the relevant industrial and governmental stakeholders to ensure a foundation for the CE centres, collaborators, stakeholder engagement and wider community.
The post will include:
• Conducting individual or collaborative research projects to deliver the core tasks of key CE-Hub work packages including system modelling, material flow and economic analysis
• Identifying sources of funding and contributing to the process of securing funds;
• Lead author and contributing to high quality publications and disseminating research findings using media appropriate to the discipline;
• Making presentations at high impact academic, industry and policy conferences or exhibiting work in other appropriate events;
• Developing new concepts and ideas to extend intellectual understanding; including systematically analysing and updating research literature where necessary
• Resolving problems of meeting research objectives and deadlines;
• Developing and leading ideas for generating income and promoting research area;
• Developing ideas for application of research outcomes;
• Deciding on /following research programmes and methodologies, often in collaboration with colleagues and sometimes subject to the approval of the head of the research programme on fundamental issues.
About you
The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.
Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in Circular Economy and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will be able to demonstrate sufficient specialist knowledge in resource and economic modelling to develop/follow research programmes and methodologies along with an ability to learn new methods and techniques including GIS and LCA and a record of research output in high quality publications.
What we can offer you
• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay -
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/staff/employment/parents/), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon
Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity at Exeter
With over 22,000 students and 5,500 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment in which to work. We are an equal opportunity employer, a Disability Confident employer and an Athena Swan accredited institution. Since 2019, the university has also signed an Armed Forces Covenant, demonstrating the University’s commitment to supporting the Armed Forces community. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented in the workforce.
Benefits
We offer some fantastic benefits including:
- 41 days leave per year
- options for flexible working
- numerous discounts at leading retailers
- onsite gyms on all of our campus’ and a cycle to work scheme
- sector leading policies around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), paternity leave (up to six weeks full pay) and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
- stunning campus environments in Exeter and Cornwall, in the beautiful South West of England (
http://www.exeter.ac.uk/thesouthwest/)
For further information please contact Professor Peter Hopkinson, Co-Director of the Exeter Centre for the Circular Economy:
[email protected].
Closing date: 22 February 2021
