"Research Fellow in UKRI FLF Project ‘Copper Perspectives (COPPER) - Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences"

University of Birmingham - Geography, Earth and Environment Sciences

Location:	Birmingham
Salary:	£36,636 to £46,049 , with potential progression once in post to £48,822. Grade 7
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On:	13th February 2026
Closes:	12th March 2026
Job Ref:	106968

Salary:Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049, with potential progression once in post to £48,822. Grade 7

Hours:Full Time

Contract Type:Fixed Term Contract

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project led by Dr Nadezhda Mamontova in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Birmingham.

The project investigates how copper mining shapes the lives of Arctic Indigenous communities and explores alternative mineral regimes. It undertakes cross-national comparative research on the impacts of green copper mining through long-term, Indigenous community-based and interdisciplinary methodologies. While recognising copper’s importance for the energy transition, the project situates it within a broader cultural ecosystem in which copper is also a heritage object associated with histories, power, ceremonial practices, health and protection.

The successful candidate will integrate qualitative and quantitative data to support interdisciplinary socio-environmental analysis and longitudinal ethnographic research. They will coordinate community-based data collection using the Indigenous Sentinels Network (ISN) app, working closely with Indigenous observers over a one-year monitoring period in each community. The role also involves collecting and analysing qualitative materials, including Indigenous narratives, museum collections, photographs and video documentation, in line with CARE principles and Indigenous Data Sovereignty protocols.

Applicants should have a strong background in Indigenous and/or community-based research methodologies, ideally with Arctic fieldwork experience.

We particularly encourage Indigenous scholars to apply

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Hold a PhD in a relevant area (e.g. human geography, social anthropology, Indigenous studies, area studies or related disciplines)
• Significant, relevant research experience in conducting community-based research, with a strong understanding of relational and mixed methods, Indigenous Data Sovereignty, CARE research principles, and sensitivity to research ethics
• Track-record of publications adequate to their career level
• Experience of presenting research results at both national and international levels

Applicants should submit CV with cover letter (max 2 pages)

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Nadezhda Mamontova (n.mamontova@bham.ac.uk)

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.