Research Synthesis Specialist (Research Associate)
Lead systematic evidence synthesis for UK land-use policy and climate action in a multidisciplinary research hub.
Best for:Best for researchers with expertise in evidence synthesis, critical analysis, and policy-relevant research in environmental sciences or related disciplines.
Overview
This position at the University of Leicester involves leading systematic research synthesis for the Land Use for Net Zero, Nature and People Hub (LUNZ Hub), a UK-wide consortium. The role focuses on designing, conducting, and writing up evidence syntheses of LUNZ Programme outputs, aligning findings with emerging land-use policies across the UK’s four nations. The successful candidate will collaborate with senior experts to produce a co-authored report or journal manuscript, managing the synthesis process and coordinating contributions from multiple authors. The position is based within the Institute for Environmental Futures, a transdisciplinary research hub addressing climate and biodiversity challenges. The fixed-term contract offers a leadership opportunity to shape evidence-based policy recommendations in environmental sustainability.
What you'll do
- Design and implement systematic research synthesis approaches to evaluate LUNZ Programme outputs.
- Conduct comprehensive reviews and synthesize large volumes of complex information from diverse sources.
- Lead the production of a co-authored report or journal manuscript in collaboration with senior experts.
- Manage the process of author contributions, ensuring alignment with emerging land-use policy documents.
- Collaborate with the LUNZ Hub consortium to align research findings with policy priorities across the UK.
- Engage with stakeholders to ensure the relevance and applicability of synthesized evidence to policy-making.
Requirements
Degree required: PhD in a relevant discipline (e.g., environmental science, policy studies, social sciences, or equivalent professional experience).
Language: English; proficiency at a level suitable for academic writing and policy engagement.
Instruction: English
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills for synthesizing complex information.
- Proven expertise in research synthesis methodologies (e.g., systematic reviews, meta-analysis).
- Excellent writing and communication skills for producing high-quality reports and manuscripts.
- Familiarity with land-use policies in the UK, particularly climate and nature-related frameworks.
- Ability to manage collaborative authoring processes and coordinate contributions from multiple stakeholders.
- PhD or equivalent professional experience in a relevant field.
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-20
Applicants must submit their application through the University of Leicester’s job portal. Ensure your application includes a CV, cover letter, and any relevant documents demonstrating your expertise in research synthesis and policy engagement. The application process is open until the deadline, after which no further submissions will be considered.
- CV
- Cover letter
- Relevant documents demonstrating research synthesis experience (e.g., samples of prior reports or manuscripts)
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