Senior Research Associate, Quantifying impacts of corporate environmental restoration initiatives

## Opportunity Spotlight: Senior Research Associate - Quantifying Corporate Environmental Restoration Impacts This review offers an in-depth look at the Senior Research Associate position focused on quantifying the impacts of corporate environmental restoration initiatives, hosted by the esteemed Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business at Lancaster University. This role presents a compelling avenue for researchers eager to make a tangible contribution to corporate sustainability and guide impactful environmental action. ### Key Advantages for Your Career Path: * Impactful Research Focus: This position is at the forefront of a critical and evolving area of corporate responsibility. You will be instrumental in understanding how businesses articulate their environmental restoration efforts and, more importantly, how these efforts translate into real-world environmental and societal benefits. This research directly informs the application of vital reporting frameworks like TNFD and GRI. * Leading-Edge Project: You will be part of the UKRI-funded ENTERPRISE project, a significant initiative designed to ensure transformative ecosystem restoration by the private sector. This provides an excellent platform to engage with cutting-edge research and contribute to its advancement. * Collaborative Environment: Working within an interdisciplinary team at the Lancaster Environment Centre and the Pentland Centre for Sustainability in Business offers a rich environment for learning and growth. You will collaborate with experts across natural and social sciences, fostering a holistic understanding of sustainability challenges. * Valuable Partnerships: Direct collaboration with project partners like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) is a significant advantage. This hands-on experience with leading organizations in sustainability reporting will be invaluable for your professional development and network building. * Career Development Support: Lancaster University is committed to your professional growth. You can expect a high-quality training package, including dedicated budget and time for skill development, alongside support for visa applications if needed. * Flexibility and Inclusivity: The role offers flexibility in working arrangements, including the potential for part-time if required, and encourages informal discussions about these arrangements. The university fosters a strong culture of Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity. * Potential for Extension: While the contract is for three years, there are explicit opportunities to apply for further funding, offering the potential for a longer-term engagement and continued research in this impactful field. ### Key Considerations for Potential Candidates: * Interdisciplinary Skillset: While a PhD or equivalent is preferred, candidates from any relevant background are encouraged to apply. The emphasis is on relevant experience in data collation and management, statistical analysis, publication writing, and engaging with diverse project partners. Experience in environmental accounting or corporate sustainability reporting analysis will be highly advantageous. * Research Acumen: This role requires a proactive and enthusiastic researcher who can not only extract and analyze data from sustainability reports but also identify gaps, propose innovative solutions, and contribute to the development of best practices. The ability to think critically and envision impact-driven science is essential. * Fieldwork and Travel: The position requires at least three days per week in person at the Lancaster office, with potential travel for collaborations and to visit case study projects globally. Candidates should be prepared for this aspect of the role. * Application Requirements: Pay close attention to the detailed application requirements, including the specific format and length of the CV, publication list, cover letter, and supporting statements. Demonstrating how this role aligns with your career goals and your own research ideas is crucial for the cover letter. * Fixed-Term Contract: While there's potential for extension, the initial contract is for three years. Candidates should consider their long-term career aspirations within this timeframe. This Senior Research Associate position offers a unique chance to contribute significantly to the vital field of corporate environmental restoration. If you are a motivated researcher with a passion for sustainability and a desire to drive impactful change, this opportunity is certainly worth exploring.