The Centre for Mountain Studiesand the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Mountain Development

The Centre for Mountain Studiesand the UNESCO Chair in Sustainable Mountain Development are based in Perth, at Perth College UHI, an Academic Partner of the University of the Highlands and Islands. We are looking for a Researcher or Research Associate, who will play a key role in the Centre, working on all aspects of project development and implementation, and teachingmodules in the online MSc in Sustainable Mountain Development.

To succeed in this exciting role, you will have a PhD in a relevant discipline and will be able to demonstrate research competence. We are looking for someone who will submit successful proposals for research and consulting project opportunities to generate external income. Excellent communications skills and a strong interest in knowledge exchange are also important.

You will represent the Centre to both internal and external stakeholders, as well as supervising postgraduate students.

The post will commence on 1 January 2014 for three years in the first instance.

For a recruitment pack, please apply online at or telephone 01738 877444.

Apply on-line at or telephone 01738 877444

Closing date: Friday 4 October 2013

Interviews: in Perth on Thursday 24 October 2013

Purpose of Post

To work on all aspects of project development and implementation, and teach onthe online MSc in Managing Sustainable Mountain Development.

Key Activities

The postholder will be expected to:

• Undertake innovative research and consultancy.
• Identify research and consulting project opportunities and liaise with potential funders.
• Develop and submit successful proposals for research and consulting projects.
• Submit and publish articles in peer-reviewed academic journals.
• Engage in knowledge exchange activities with relevant stakeholders and non-specialist audiences.
• Deliver modules in the on-line MSc Sustainable Mountain Development.
• Supervise postgraduate research studentsundertaking MSc and PhD dissertations.
• Work effectively with the CMS team.
• Organise and manage work flow with minimal supervision.
• Represent the CMS, Perth College UHI, or UHI on external bodies.
• Engage in aspects of CMS, College, and UHI administration as required.

This job description does not present an exhaustive list of activities and the post holder is required to undertake other activities as reasonably instructed commensurate with the role and grade in fulfilment of the purpose of the post.

Reporting Structure

The post holder reports to the Director, Centre for Mountain Studies.

Terms and Conditions

This post is governed by support staff terms and conditions, which are subject to collective bargaining processes.

Equality and Diversity

The post holder is expected to be familiar with and to comply with the terms of the College’s Equal Opportunities Strategy and associated schemes.

Health and Safety

The post holder is expected to be familiar with and to comply with the terms of the College’s policies and procedures ensuring the health, safety and well-being of staff, students and visitors.

There are no identified specific health and safety risks or training needs associated with this post.

The successful applicant will:

• Demonstrate a high degree of competence in the rigorous design and application of research methodologies.
• Have a record of peer-reviewed publication.
• Have experience of developing research proposals.
• Have excellent communication skills (oral and written), with a strong interest in knowledge exchange with diverse audiences.
• Have a PhD in a relevant discipline.
• Have an interest in distance learning.
• Have an interest in supervising MSc and PhD students.
• Be able to work effectively as part of a team.
• Be proactive and work autonomously.
• Be able to plan and meet deadlines.
• Be able to use standard word processing, internet and e-mail programmes.
• Be willing to travel in the UK and internationally.

The following would be desirable:

• Expertise in qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research.
• Experience of working as a member of a research project team.
• Evidence of external income generation from research and consultancy.
• Membership of appropriate professional bodies and learned societies.
• Knowledge of Scottish, UK, and preferably European environmental and rural/mountain development issues, policies, and organisations.
• Range of publications: e.g., peer-reviewed journals, conference papers, popular articles.
• Experience of public and/or stakeholder engagement in research.
• Experience of supervising MSc and PhD students.
• Experience of teaching at Masters level, preferably on-line.
• Experience of working in an interdisciplinary environment.
• Experience with web authoring and data management/analysis software.
• Current driving licence.

Perth College UHI expects that all staff recruited to the College will demonstrate the following personal attributes and values:

• High level of commitment to improving people’s lives through learning.
• Outstanding levels of professional competence.
• High levels of personal integrity and respect for others.
• Ability to work well as part of a team.
• Ability to show initiative.
• Positive and proactive in responding to the needs of the College, students and other staff.
• Values diversity with strong commitment to promoting equality and business excellence in all we do.