"Research & Innovation Associate (GCNE)"

We are a world class research-intensive university. We deliver teaching and learning of the highest quality. We play a leading role in economic, social and cultural development of the North East of England. Attracting and retaining high-calibre people is fundamental to our continued success.

The Role: Newcastle University is seeking to appoint an outstanding Research and Innovation Associate (R&IA) to join the Green Corridors North East (GCNE) team delivering a £3m+ AHRC Mission project. The role will focus on the theme of ‘Nature and Natural Heritage' and will concentrate on the Tyne Derwent Way (TDW) in Gateshead (https://www.tynederwentway.co.uk), especially the parts of its route that run past the Metro Centre, between Dunston Staiths and the river Derwent. However, the role will also enable work across the region's other two green corridors: the Durham City Green Corridor, that will appoint another R&IA focusing on ‘Heritage and History', and the South Teesside Green Corridor in Middlesborough, whose additional R&IA will focus on the theme of ‘Culture and Creativity'. Collectively, all three R&IAs will be expected to work together collaboratively, across all three areas, to facilitate development of the region's green corridors in conjunction with key stakeholders and community-based groups.

The role will involve working with researchers at Newcastle University, staff at the National Trust, Gateshead Council, Tyne and Wear Building Preservation Trust, and community-based groups to shape and implement collaborative approaches to generating research questions together, co-producing research, and supporting collective action. The successful applicant will work in partnership with the GCNE team and the TDW teams to co-produce research that nurtures environmental stewardship and well-being, and that could enable stakeholders to address key policy objectives (e.g. nature recovery, climate regulation, flood prevention, public health and wellbeing). As part of their role, the postholder will also help co-develop ways of experiencing, exploring, relating to, and understanding nature. The post holder will be supported to develop their own contributions to the project, to develop new activities and co-create new research and/or impact activities funded by the GCNE Flexible Fund. Their work will contribute to new funding bids that will help the future development of the region's green corridors for the benefit of nature, communities, and visitors.

The role is a full-time appointment from as soon as possible for a period of up to 27 months dependent on start date. We are committed to building a fair and inclusive workplace and would welcome requests for flexible working and — depending on the needs of the role — blended working opportunities will also be considered.

Informal enquiries are welcome. Please contact Alex Bulmer (Alex.Bulmer@newcastle.ac.uk), quoting the job reference in your email, to request a job pack which will include further details of the GCNE project.