Job Description

The Post

The postdoctoral research fellow will support the delivery of a variety of critical research tasks to deliver the JUST-Systems programme on time and to budget. The PDRF will take a leading role in the delivery of the Clackmannanshire and Aberdeen case studies.



In Clackmannanshire, the case explores the design and delivery of a suite of potential projects, including community led energy generation, local heat networks, and the retrofit of domestic and community properties to improve social outcomes, health, and employment, working closely in partnership with Clackmannanshire Council.



In Aberdeen, the case centres on the delivery of improved housing infrastructure (retrofitting) to address fuel poverty and improve health outcomes and will partner with local organisations including NESFIT (NE Scotland Retrofitting Hub), Transition Catalyst and NESCAN (NE Scotland Climate Action Network).



The PDRF will work closely with the project lead, case study leaders from the University of Stirling and Aberdeen and the wider academic team to design and implement social analysis of the cases including regional profiles, interviews and workshops on place-based understanding of Just Transition and critical systems analysis. The role will also include working with the energy systems modelling teams to explore how the social analysis can align with systems modelling to develop evidence-based pathways that inform implementation and policy. The role will focus significant effort on field work, participatory approaches and stakeholder engagement with the opportunity to engage widely across the project teams and UK case studies.

Description of Duties

The post will be based in Stirling in the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences. The position will involve regular travel within Scotland and across the UK for the annual science meetings, training events and key events such as policy engagement and expert workshops. While this is primarily a social science role, we are seeking a candidate who has interest and capability in interdisciplinary research and can undertake dialogue and research activity across disciplines such as geography, policy, energy systems and engineering, humanities and sociology. There may be the opportunity to contribute to teaching in the Division of Biological and Environmental Sciences in specialist subjects such as energy and sustainability, and to support the supervision of student dissertations.



KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:


The Postdoctoral Research Fellow will deliver the following tasks:


Delivery of the Clackmannanshire and Aberdeen case studies including analysis of regional profiles and evidence, field work including interviews and focus groups, and development of creative methods to understand place-based challenges of a Just Transition delivered in WP3 Working alongside and integrating the case study social research outputs with energy and net zero systems modelling delivered in WP2 Working alongside and integrating the case study social research outputs with policy and governance analysis in WP4 Supporting the capacity building of case study partners via the Capacity Building Fund led by WP5 including contribution to events, training and materials Leading on the development of key outputs including reports and academic publications from the case study analysis Engaging and contributing to the early career researcher culture and community in the project, including attendance at training and capacity building events Liaising with key local partners and wider stakeholders in the delivery of the research programme both at the case study, regional and national level Engaging with research staff across the University, academic partners and case studies ensuring an active and engaged team and appropriate UK travel where necessary Other relevant tasks that may emerge during the remit and delivery of the programme related to overall support and delivery of JUST-Systems

Essential Criteria

A PhD in social science, geography, environmental or sustainability sciences Demonstrable experience in social research methods as applied to community, place based and/or stakeholder focused contexts Strong familiarity with the context, concepts and key issues facing Just Transition, climate policy, energy transition or sustainability in a local authority, community or place-based context Experience of research collaboration in an interdisciplinary environment Demonstrable experience in working with stakeholders from government, civil society, business and/or communities in climate, energy, or sustainability context Knowledge of relevant software supporting social research methods and proficiency in standard office software Capability to manage multiple research tasks simultaneously without compromising quality in a dynamic research environment Willingness to travel in UK, including substantive fieldwork time in Clackmannanshire and Aberdeen

Desirable Criteria

Research expertise in Just Transition, Energy, Climate or Sustainability Ability to work and thrive in an interdisciplinary research environment focused on social change Appreciation and understanding of the wider climate change and just transition agenda and its application in the Scottish and local authority context Experience in social media engagement and scientific outreach / knowledge exchange

Additional Information

Full time

Fixed term for 3 years



The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 09 November 2025.

Interviews are expected to take place on Monday 24 November 2025.



There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.


This role may be eligible for sponsorship depending on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.



The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change

Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively

Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context

Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others

Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together

Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.



The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.



We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.



Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).



Alongside partners, the University spearheads the 214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal - which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk

Job Reference: FAC02076