RESEARCH MANAGER – FRESHWATER

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Do you combine a strong scientific background with in-depth understanding freshwater ecosystems, new approaches to environmental management and policy, and a passion for citizen science? Earthwatch is recruiting for an experienced Research Manager to organise and deliver, innovative and engaging freshwater research in programmes across the UK and Europe.

Deadline: 11 November 2018

Location: Oxford, UK, with occasional international travel
Department: Engagement and Science
Reports to: Senior Research Manager
Direct reports: Programme Coordinator(s), Intern(s)
Salary: £27,000 to £33,000
Contract: Full time, Open-ended
Deadline for application: 11 November 2018
Interviews: w/c 19th November 2018

OVERVIEW
Earthwatch is recruiting for a Research Manager to secure funding for, organise and deliver, innovative and engaging freshwater pollution research. This research will be aimed at finding and implementing solutions in partnership with global research partners, water management practitioners, businesses and community groups.

With a strong background in freshwater science and a thorough understanding of the opportunities and challenges of citizen science, you will be pivotal in designing and delivering scientifically innovative and highly engaging projects which strengthen the Earthwatch mission, maximise our impact, and meet or surpass participant and stakeholder expectations.

Earthwatch is an international environmental NGO. Our mission is to empower people to save our planet. We do this by creating knowledge and inspiring action through hands-on science and environmental engagement. We address big environmental challenges by working together with individuals, communities and organisations. We aim to create a global community that values and nurtures a sustainable planet.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK; Earthwatch is unable to support visa applications.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

RESPONSIBILITIES
Role purpose:

To secure funding for, organise and deliver, innovative and engaging freshwater pollution research aimed at finding and implementing solutions in partnership with global research partners, water management practitioners, businesses and community groups. Maximise project impact through data analysis, visualisation and dissemination to practitioners, businesses, the public, the research community and policy makers.

Key deliverables:

Manage and further develop Freshwater Watch (https://freshwaterwatch.thewaterhub.org/), Earthwatch’s global freshwater citizen science methodology and platform
Contribute to the development of new freshwater projects that engage and empower public, business and third-sector audiences and provide important evidence to inform freshwater management with a focus on UK, EU and Africa. Generate new project ideas and work with the corporate development and fundraising teams to secure funding.
Set-up and deliver impactful and innovative freshwater research that uses or builds on Freshwater Watch. The current research portfolio includes research on nutrient and chemical pollution, citizen observatories, data aggregation and visualisation and remote sensing and in situ sensors
Support (international) research partners during project set-up, delivery and dissemination, ensuring scientific quality and maximizing impact.
Deliver research training to scientists and end-users of Freshwater Watch in train the trainer days (in both UK and international locations)
Perform statistical and geographical data analysis, (co-)author peer reviewed publications and present at international conferences
Create maximum impact through targeted communications, stakeholder engagement and policy influencing
Build and maintain a network of international science and social science researchers and capitalize on opportunities for collaboration. Stay up to date with innovative freshwater science, citizen science and technology developments and advise and update the organisation accordingly
Ensure projects are delivered to time and within budget, manage simple budgets and partner and stakeholder relationships. Line-manage programme coordinator(s) and research intern(s), overseeing and giving direction to projects they are delivering
Work closely with the engagement and learning teams to optimise opportunities for public engagement, learning and personal action
Work with the communication and IT teams to optimize online project presence and functionality and to grow Freshwaterwatch and Earthwatch’s profile
Contribute to wider organisational priorities as required

REQUIREMENTS

Person specification:
PhD in environmental or natural sciences and demonstrable knowledge of freshwater pollution research, key challenges, legislation and policy instruments (e.g. Water Framework Directive and Sustainable Development Goal 6 targets)
Experience in designing and delivering fieldwork, experienced in finding practical solutions and leading groups with an eye for participant safety and well-being
A track-record of development and delivery of innovative research projects that address priority issues in freshwater science and generate impact by creating awareness and understanding among stakeholders, collecting and disseminating evidence and inspiring action
A good understanding of current and upcoming technologies that may be beneficial to freshwater pollution research with experience in the use of in situ sensors and common tools for temporal and spatial data modelling, GIS and statistical data analysis.
Excellent writing and presentation skills as demonstrated through peer reviewed publications, presentations at international conferences and popular media articles (e.g. newspaper or radio interviews, blogs or social media posts)
A strong communicator and responsible leader, used to leading groups and speaking publicly to a wide range of academic and non-academic audiences with excellent relationship management skills and a track record of effective partnership management
A demonstrable passion and enthusiasm for environmental issues, which enables you to engage others
A demonstrable passion for citizen science, good understanding of volunteer motivations and current developments in the field of citizen science
Flexible, self-motivated and goal-oriented with proven ability to manage competing requirements, prioritise, deliver appropriate quality on time and within budget
Demonstrable team working experience – including in virtual teams across the globe
Written/spoken fluency in English is required, fluency in one or more other languages is desirable
Able to commit to regular national and occasional international travel, mainly in Europe and Africa. A driving license is desirable
Budget and line management experience are desirable
Commitment to the mission and values of Earthwatch

The above list of job deliverables is not exclusive or exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake such tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

For more information, and to apply, please go to: https://earthwatch.org.uk/component/k2/research-manager-october-2018

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