"Research Associate in Land Use for Net Zero"

University of Leicester - Geography, Geology and the Environment

Location:	Leicester
Salary:	£39,906 to £46,049 per annum, pro-rata if part-time: Grade 7
Hours:	Full Time, Part Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 20th March 2026

Closes: 9th April 2026

Job Ref: 13148

Vacancy terms: Full-time or job share, fixed term contract to 26 October 2026

About the role

The University of Leicester is seeking a Research Associate to join the Land Use for Net Zero (LUNZ) Hub, supporting the coordination and translation of the programme's research. This new research programme aims to transform land use to achieve net zero, nature, and people. To achieve this, a large-scale transformation is urgently needed in the way land is used and managed.
Your role as a key member of the LUNZ Hub will involve supporting transdisciplinary research, facilitating co-learning and shared understanding of land use for net zero, nature, and people. You will drive the development of novel ways of working with and engaging diverse stakeholders and users in the co-production of knowledge. The role will require excellent communication skills with a range of disciplines and sectors, including policy-makers, scientists, and artists. You will also support in producing rapid evidence provision, LUNZ Notes for policy makers, in-depth evidence reviews, peer-reviewed journal papers, and opinion pieces for blogs.

About you

As a research professional, you will have achieved or be working towards a PhD in a relevant subject. This should demonstrate an in-depth knowledge of greenhouse gas emissions from land use, and agriculture and mitigation options. You should also have experience of interdisciplinary or transdisciplinary working across the natural science, social science and arts/humanities. You experience should be able to demonstrate key skills including team working, time management (and working to deadlines), as well as the ability to solve complex problems involving knowledge from different research fields.

Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcomed and should be directed to Heiko Balzter at hb91@leicester.ac.uk.
As part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found here.