Research Fellow in UKRI FLF Project ‘Copper Perspectives (COPPER) – Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences – 106968 – Grade 7 Full-time NEW

Postdoctoral Research Fellow

We are seeking to appoint a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to join the UKRI FLF-funded research project led by Dr. Nadezhda Mamontova, based in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, University of Birmingham. This project examines how copper mining shapes the lives of Arctic Indigenous communities in the United States, Norway and Canada, and explores the potential for alternative mineral regimes. It conducts cross-national comparative research evaluating the impacts of green copper mining through long-term, Indigenous community-based research and interdisciplinary methodologies. The research examines how the green energy transition affects a wide range of environmental parameters, while also exploring the historical and ceremonial uses of copper. While recognising copper's role in the energy transition, the project situates this mineral within a broader cultural ecosystem in which copper is not merely a resource but a heritage object—closely associated with Indigenous clan biographies, ceremonial storytelling, health, protection and prestige.

The role requires integrating qualitative and quantitative data to support interdisciplinary socio-environmental community-based analysis and longitudinal ethnographic research. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating and implementing socio-environmental data collection through a community-based questionnaire survey using the Indigenous Sentinels Network (ISN) application. This will involve working closely with Indigenous community observers who will conduct regular observations using the ISN app over a one-year monitoring period in each participating community. In addition, the candidate will contribute to the collection, organisation and analysis of qualitative materials, including Indigenous narratives on cultural copper use, relevant museum collections, photographs and video documentation. The candidate is expected to have a good understanding of research methodology and ethics with Indigenous communities, including CARE principles and Indigenous Data Sovereignty protocols.

We are seeking a candidate with a strong background in Indigenous and/or community-based research, preferably with previous work experience in the Arctic. This position offers an excellent opportunity for researchers with interests across the social sciences, mixed methods, and long-term community-based fieldwork in one or more settings. It also provides opportunities to develop leadership skills through tailored leadership training.

The successful candidate must have, and your application should clearly demonstrate that you meet the following essential criteria:

• Hold a PhD in a relevant area (e.g. human geography, social anthropology, Indigenous studies, area studies or related disciplines).
• Significant, relevant research experience in conducting community-based research, with a strong understanding of relational and mixed methods, Indigenous Data Sovereignty, CARE research principles, and sensitivity to research ethics.
• Track-record of publications adequate to their career level.
• Experience of presenting research results at both national and international levels.

We particularly encourage Indigenous scholars to apply. Applicants should submit CV with cover letter (max 2 pages).

Role Summary:

• Conduct collaborative community-based fieldwork in Arctic regions with PI and Indigenous communities, including socio-environmental monitoring using the ISN app.
• Collect, organise and analyse quantitative and qualitative data, including oral histories, narratives and archival/museum materials.
• Interpret findings, publish papers and contribute to joint publications.
• Co-develop policy recommendations with communities and stakeholders.
• Support organisation of seminars, workshops and conference panels.

Main Duties:

• Develop and implement relevant community-based methodologies and maintain a research data management plan in collaboration with PI and Indigenous community research partners.
• Conduct fieldwork in one or more Arctic regions with Indigenous communities using mixed methods, including socio-environmental monitoring, ethnography, interviews, Indigenous research methodologies, and the ISN app.
• Conduct archival and library research on the origins and biographies of Indigenous copper artefacts.
• Collect, analyse and interpret both qualitative and quantitative data for interdisciplinary socio-environmental analysis.
• Contribute to joint publications, publish individual papers and disseminate research findings through seminars, workshops, conferences and other activities.
• Contribute to the co-development of policy briefs and recommendations in collaboration with PI, Indigenous communities and stakeholders.
• Maintain long-term research relationships with Indigenous communities and support knowledge exchange through workshops and other dissemination activities.
• Participate in leadership training programmes.

Person Specification or Required Knowledge, Skills, Qualifications, Experience:

• First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications.
• High level analytical capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Fluency in relevant methods, including relational research methods and ethical research practices, and ability to contribute to developing new ones.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.
• Significant experience conducting community-based research with Indigenous peoples, ideally in the Arctic or similar culturally complex contexts.
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management processes, including managing of long-term remote data collection with research partners.
• Contribute to the planning and co-organising of the specific activities related to the research project (seminars, workshops, outreach activities).

Informal enquiries to Nadezhda Mamontova – n.mamontova@bham.ac.uk