SRUC (Scotland’s Rural College) is a widely respected higher education institute dedicated to producing specialist research, delivering high quality education and providing comprehensive consultancy services in the rural sector within the UK and beyond. An organisation unique in Scotland and one of the largest organisations of its kind in Europe; we aim to lead the way in innovation and sustainable development in the agriculture and rural sectors at local, national and international levels. Due to the expansion of our research capacity in the area of Rural Society, we are looking to make a new appointment based within our Land Economy and Environment Research Group in Edinburgh. This appointment will be at Senior Researcher or Researcher level, or – in the case of an exceptional candidate – at Professorial level.
The Rural Society Research Team focuses on the changing rural social and economic landscape of Scotland, with links also to comparative international research. We provide evidence and policy guidance relating to the resilience, vibrancy and sustainability of Scotland’s rural communities. The team is recognised by its client-base as being rigorous, high-quality in its processes and outputs, policy-relevant and engaged with pressing rural issues. The team also actively publishes in peer-reviewed journals as well as engaging with stakeholders through regular Knowledge Exchange events. The new post-holder will explore: low carbon rural economy; regional economic development; spatial development and planning; and socio-economic trends and their implications for rural and regional areas. Such research will be situated within the wider context of policy and practice in Scotland and internationally, thus generating research outputs and outcomes which enhance the sustainability of rural economy and society. Specifically, we are looking someone to complement the strong and dynamic research skill-set which already exists in the team. We therefore require a rural/regional economist who brings specific skills in spatial econometrics and spatial data analysis, whilst being willing to work in a multi-method way. Duties will include: designing and developing research for the Scottish Government; bidding for, conducting and managing contract research; engaging in Knowledge Exchange, including through the Rural Policy Centre; and working within a multidisciplinary team. The successful applicant will have a PhD and several years of research experience, and be able to demonstrate an ability to win research funding. It is essential that the post holder can present information to a variety of audiences and be computer literate.
Interviews will be held in Edinburgh on May 6th and 7th 2013.
Apply online at http://www.sruc.ac.uk. If you do not have access to the Internet, you may request an application pack by contacting Human Resources on 0131 535 4277. Please note that CVs will not be accepted without a completed application form.
Closing date: 12 noon 26th April 2013. Please quote: R/LE/956/13
More information: