Overview
The Centre for Landscape Regeneration (CLR) is offering 7 paid roles this year with the aim to improve diversity and inclusion in environmental sciences and promote environmental science as a career. These roles are funded by UKRI NERC in line with the NERC Diversity and Inclusion Living Action Plan.
These roles will offer the chance to be part of an ambitious programme of research that aims to provide the knowledge and tools needed to regenerate the British countryside. Exploring cost-effective nature-based solutions that harness the power of ecosystems to provide broad benefits including biodiversity recovery and climate mitigation and adaptation. Project assistants will be given the opportunity to gain experience of working on current research in climate change, biodiversity and environmental science in an impactful way.
Programme dates: 15 July to 13 September
Project assistants will work for 8 weeks during this 9-week period and will be able to take 5 days of leave.
These roles are paid the Cambridge Real Living Wage, a rate of £12.00 per hour, administered by the Cambridge Casual Worker System (CCWS). Project assistants will work 37 hours per week over 8 weeks and will receive holiday pay.
Within the Centre for Landscape Regeneration, the available roles are as follows:
Fenland Biodiversity (Beetles) Project Assistant
Fenland Biodiversity (Pollinators) Project Assistant
Landscape Scenario Modelling Project Assistant (Scotland) - Two roles available
Scottish Forests (Tree Biomass) Project Assistant
Scottish Forests (Root Biomass) Project Assistant
Scottish Peatlands Project Assistant
More details on these research projects can be found below.
Alongside their projects, project assistants will undertake a development programme that will allow them to explore different career pathways and reflect on their own strengths and interests. As part of the Centre for Landscape Regeneration cohort, they will also be offered personalised coaching and mentoring from a professional career coach.
We strongly encourage and welcome applications from those who are reflected in widening participation criteria below, as part of our commitment to improving diversity and inclusion and widening access to conservation and environmental science careers.
Those who come from an under-represented ethnic group
Those who are care experienced
Those who have been granted refugee status in the UK
Those who are estranged from both primary carers (e.g. both parents/carers)
Those who were eligible for the 16-19 Bursary/ Pupil Premium and/or those who were in receipt of Free School Meals
Those who are a young carer, defined as being the primary carer for a parent or sibling
Those who have experienced disruption to their education, for example due to health issues, family circumstances or homelessness.
Eligibility:
These positions are for current undergraduate students, or candidates who have graduated from their undergraduate degree in 12 months.
These positions are open to all undergraduate students, not just students from the University of Cambridge.
All these CLR roles are fully in person and will involve substantial fieldwork, either in Cambridgeshire or Scotland (please check the role descriptions for full details for each role).
You are welcome to apply to more than one position. Please tailor your application for each role you apply for.
The candidate must, by the start of their employment, have permission to work in the UK.
Please note that we cannot offer sponsorship for these roles as they do not meet the minimum salary requirements to obtain a Skilled Worker Visa.
Recruitment Process
To apply for a role on the Future Leaders Programme, you must apply via the corresponding Microsoft Form (linked below) for the role(s) of interest. We have developed some application guidance to help you understand what we are looking for in your application.
You are welcome to apply to more than one position. You should complete an application form for each role you wish to apply for. While some information in your applications will be similar, please ensure that you tailor your application for each role you apply for.
In collaboration with Cambridge Zero, we will be hosting two online Q&A sessions for prospective applicants to the Future Leaders Programme:
Wednesday 14 February, 12-1pm UK time, Zoom. Register to attend here: https://buytickets.at/cambridgezero/1136598
Monday 19 February, 6-7pm UK time, Zoom. Register to attend here: https://buytickets.at/cambridgezero/1136610
The application process is designed to remove sources of unconscious bias. We remove name, gender and higher education institution from all applications before they are reviewed. All applications are reviewed by at least two members of staff.
The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.
By opting for an open-text application form as opposed to a traditional CV and cover letter, we aim to allow applicants at an early career stage to demonstrate the diverse ways in which they’ve been able to develop transferable skills that are desirable for these roles.
The application deadline for all roles is 11.59pm on Monday 11 March 2024. You must submit your application via the Microsoft Form before this deadline in order to be considered. Applications received by email will not be considered.
Shortlisted candidates for each role will be invited to an online interview, which will take place in April.
If you have any questions, please contact Beth Simpson Elizabeth.Simpson@admin.cam.ac.uk
Available Roles
Fenland Biodiversity (Beetles) Project Assistant
Full details: https://www.zero.cam.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-02/Fenland%20Biodiversity%20%28Beetles%29%20Project%20Assistant.pdf
Application form: https://forms.office.com/e/xv7SmEBX2u
Manager: Neil Mahon, Department of Zoology
Location: Cambridge
Fenland Biodiversity (Pollinators) Project Assistant
Full details: https://www.zero.cam.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-02/Fenland%20Biodiversity%20%28Pollinators%29%20Project%20Assistant.pdf
Application form: https://forms.office.com/e/bdkZFyUVbU
Manager: Neil Mahon, Department of Zoology
Location: Cambridge
Landscape Scenario Modelling Project Assistant (Scotland) - TWO roles available
Application form: https://forms.office.com/e/yM0QxF1s9Z
Manager: Dr Catherine Waite, Department of Zoology
Location: Cairngorms, Scotland*
*Please note that all project assistants on the Future Leaders Programme must be in person in Cambridge for the week commencing 15 July and the week commencing 2 September.
Scottish Forests (Tree Biomass) Project Assistant
Full details: https://www.zero.cam.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-02/Scottish%20Forests%20%28Tree%20Biomass%29%20Project%20Assistant.pdf
Application form: https://forms.office.com/e/AjrD52Bani
Manager: Will Flynn, Department of Plant Sciences
Location: Cairngorms, Scotland*
*Please note that all project assistants on the Future Leaders Programme must be in person in Cambridge for the week commencing 15 July and the week commencing 2 September.
Scottish Forests (Root Biomass) Project Assistant
Full details: https://www.zero.cam.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-02/Scottish%20Forests%20%28Root%20Biomass%29%20Project%20Assistant.pdf
Application form: https://forms.office.com/e/cL6McsjANM
Manager: Liam Wakefield, Department of Plant Sciences
Location: Cairngorms, Scotland*
*Please note that all project assistants on the Future Leaders Programme must be in person in Cambridge for the week commencing 15 July and the week commencing 2 September.
Scottish Peatlands Project Assistant
Full details: https://www.zero.cam.ac.uk/sites/default/files/2024-02/Scottish%20Peatlands%20Project%20Assistant.pdf
Application form: https://forms.office.com/e/v5V9fYFXwa
Manager: Aland Chan, Department of Plant Sciences
Location: Cairngorms, Scotland*
*Please note that all project assistants on the Future Leaders Programme must be in person in Cambridge for the week commencing 15 July and the week commencing 2 September.
To view other roles on the Future Leaders Programme, please go to this webpage.
