Research Fellow in UKRI FLF Project ‘Copper Perspectives; COPPER - Geography, Earth and Enviro

Position Details

School or Department:
Geography, Earth and Environment Sciences

Location:

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

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

Full Time / Fixed Term contract up to 30 June 2029

Closing date: 03 March 2026

This role is also open as an internal secondment opportunity which would need to be agreed by your current line manager.

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the UKRI FLF-funded research project led by Dr. Nadezhda Mamontova, based in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham.

This project examines how copper mining shapes the lives of Arctic Indigenous communities in the United States, Norway and Canada, and explores the potential for alternative mineral regimes. It conducts cross-national comparative research evaluating the impacts of green copper mining through long-term, Indigenous community-based research and interdisciplinary methodologies. The research examines how the green energy transition affects a wide range of environmental parameters, while also exploring the historical and ceremonial uses of copper.

While recognising copper’s role in the energy transition, the project situates this mineral within a broader cultural ecosystem in which copper is not merely a resource but a heritage object—closely associated with Indigenous clan biographies, ceremonial storytelling, health, protection and prestige.

The role requires integrating qualitative and quantitative data to support interdisciplinary socio-environmental community-based analysis and longitudinal ethnographic research. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and implementing socio-environmental data collection through a community-based questionnaire survey using the Indigenous Sentinels Network (ISN) application. This will involve working closely with Indigenous community observers who will conduct regular observations using the ISN app over a one-year monitoring period in each participating community.

In addition, the candidate will contribute to the collection, organisation and analysis of qualitative materials, including Indigenous narratives on cultural copper use, relevant museum collections, photographs and video documentation. The candidate is expected to have a good understanding of research methodology and ethics with Indigenous communities, including CARE principles and Indigenous Data Sovereignty protocols.

We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in Indigenous and/or community-based research, preferably with previous work experience in the Arctic. This position offers an excellent opportunity for researchers with interests across the social sciences, mixed methods, and long-term community-based fieldwork in one or more settings. It also provides opportunities to develop leadership skills through tailored leadership training.

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.

We particularly encourage Indigenous scholars to apply.

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

• Conduct collaborative community-based fieldwork in Arctic regions with PI and Indigenous communities, including socio‑environmental monitoring using the ISN app.
• Collect, organise and analyse quantitative and qualitative data, including oral histories, narratives and archival/museum materials.
• Interpret findings, publish papers and contribute to joint publications.
• Co‑develop policy…