Environmental Social Scientist

City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK (On-site)

£38K/yr – £44K/yrFull time

Posted 2 weeks ago

Job Description

Interdisciplinary Environmental Social Scientist

Edinburgh

Full-Time

Fixed - Term

Grade 4: £38,067 - £44,078 per annum

Reference: CML/CS/015/26

Closing date: 26th October 2026

Interviews: W/C 02nd November 2026

About the team

SRUC has a well-established research agenda concerned with the socio-economic aspects of peatland and wetland management, with impactful engagement with rural communities, landowners and policy makers.

About the opportunity

To support research in the European research project Paludi4All, we are looking for a qualitative (but ideally mixed-methods) social scientist to support our team within the Department of Rural Economy, Environment and Society. The applicant should have experience of working in multi-disciplinary teams and strong scientific communication skills with a range of stakeholders. Ideally, the applicant has experience with research related to innovation in agricultural and/or bioeconomy supply chains.

Within the project, the role of the interdisciplinary/environmental social scientist will be to undertake qualitative and community based participatory research in relation to paludiculture production, value chains and governance. In collaboration with partners working on the economics and environmental impacts of paludiculture, the post holder will work with stakeholders of existing paludiculture systems (incl. input suppliers, producers, processors, end users) in a case study approach.

Minimum qualifications and experience

The successful candidate will be Educated to at least SCQF Level 11. With a MSc degree a relative subject such as; social science or agri-environmental science.

Further details of the requirements of the role can be found in the Job Particulars document.

Eligibility for Sponsorship

This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. If you are a migrant worker you will need to ensure you have appropriate qualifications, skills, experience and meet all the appropriate criteria necessary for sponsorship.

Benefits

  • Generous annual leave
  • Enhanced pension contributions to contributory pension scheme
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Discounted RAC Membership
  • Generous family leave
  • We encourage Continuing Professional Development with a tailored investment in an individuals' learning and development

How to Apply

Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”.

Please, upload a sample work of yours in your application, preferably a published scientific paper. Chose a work which clearly demonstrates your research skills related to this job.

Interviews

For selected candidates, interviews will take place on the week commencing 02nd November, online.

Candidates invited to the interview will be asked to prepare a 5-minute presentation on “What would be your approach to paludiculture value-chain research?”

Full details can be found in the Job Particulars document downloadable from the link above.

SRUC Leading the way in Agricultural and Rural Research, Education & Consultancy

SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

SRUC. A Charitable company limited by guarantee, SC003712. Registered in Scotland No SC103046

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SRUC

SRUC (Scotland's Rural College) was formed on 1 October 2012 by the merger of Barony, Elmwood and Oatridge Colleges and SAC (Scottish Agricultural College). SRUC exists to deliver comprehensive skills, education and business support for Scotland’s land-based industries, founded on world class and sector-leading research, education and consultancy. The integration of these three complementary ‘knowledge exchange’ services will be of significant value to all with an interest in land-based activities – be they learners, businesses, communities or policy-makers.The four original college partners - Barony, Elmwood and Oatridge and SAC - have combined more than a century of experience in research, education and rural business consultancy to establish SRUC. We are unique in Scotland and the largest organisation of its kind in Europe.SRUC aims to carry out our work at local, national and international levels, leading innovation and sustainable development in agriculture and rural sectors.Our aim is to build a culture of excellence through the development of a Rural University College with degree awarding powers. We wish to become the UK’s leading agriculturally-focused Higher Education Institution, with increased global links and impact. Through high quality and relevant courses combined with excellence in teaching and support, our students will enjoy enhanced opportunities to progress in their studies from access level right up to PhD.

Founded in 2012
Edinburgh, Scotland, GBR
884 employees (20 in marketing)

Salaries

Posted range

£38K/yr – £44K/yr

Taken straight from the job posting.

See all SRUC salaries
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Environmental Social Scientist

SRUC · City of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK · On-site