Research Associate (Socially Responsible Earth Observation)

Location: Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom

Company

A research and higher-education institution leading the IrrEO project on socially responsible Earth Observation and agricultural mapping.

What you will do

• Develop guidance for the socially responsible development and use of Earth Observation-based agricultural mapping tools.
• Catalogue scholarship and frameworks on the ethical and equitable use of Earth Observation.
• Conduct document-based and qualitative interview research across different socio-political and agricultural contexts.
• Identify risks to farmers and farming communities arising from Earth Observation-based agricultural monitoring.
• Develop strategies for socially responsible monitoring in consultation with project partners.
• Collaborate with academic and non-academic partners in Kenya, Nigeria, Ethiopia, the UK, and internationally.

Requirements

• Postdoctoral research experience relevant to Earth Observation, agricultural mapping, development, social science, or a related field.
• Experience conducting literature, document-based, and qualitative interview research.
• Ability to analyse ethical, social, and equity risks in technology-enabled agricultural or environmental monitoring.
• Ability to work collaboratively with academic researchers, development actors, and international partners.
• Willingness to engage with research contexts in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Kenya, Nigeria, and Ethiopia.

Nice to have

• Knowledge of Earth Observation technologies and agricultural mapping.
• Experience working with smallholder farming systems or data-sparse regions.
• Experience developing practical guidance for policy or development organisations.

Culture & Benefits

• Fixed-term appointment of up to 24 months, with an end date of 31 August 2029.
• Expected start in early 2027, with flexibility over the exact start date.
• Generous employer pension contribution.
• 29 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure.
• Ride-to-work and electric vehicle car schemes.
• Inclusive academic environment supporting diversity, debate, enquiry, and new ideas.