Social Scientist - net zero - 23585

The transition to net zero presents huge challenges for the environment and society. The Environment Agency has secured science funding from Government to ensure that our regulation and advice drives a sustainable pathway to net zero. This makes it an exciting time to join us and contribute to this big policy agenda.

We need to be able to generate sound evidence, incorporating the environmental, social, and technological dimensions of a sustainable transition to net zero. We need an engaging social scientist to join our national social science team. You will use your practical experience of applying social science to solving environmental problems (or similar policy issues like public health or innovation) to embed an understanding of society into our net zero science programme.

Working as part of a ‘virtual’ team of scientists, you will shape the programme and collaboratively delivering research outputs. You will add value by:
• identifying social scientific insights from the wider evidence base
• making links between projects and spotting opportunities to increase their impact
• developing compelling communication materials
• contributing to the design and delivery of research projects that explore different system and social science framings of the net zero transition.

You will join the national Social Science Team, which helps the Environment Agency to understand the social context of our work and implement interventions that are socially acceptable. We are expanding our activity on net zero, working closely with the Chief Scientist’s Group.

The team applies social scientific methods including interdisciplinary approaches that encompass the natural and physical sciences. We are developing the application of systems approaches to understand the transition to net zero society.

The role requires a qualified social scientist, most likely with a post-graduate degree or similar experience and expertise. Practical experience of applying social scientific methods and tools to the environment or a similar policy area is essential. Such approaches include discourse analysis, governance approaches and social actor analysis.
You will have experience of working effectively with a range of people from different scientific and technical backgrounds and communicating your ideas to diverse audiences.
Whilst being supported by other colleagues in the team, you will be a self-starter who focuses on delivering good quality evidence in a timely way.
Ideally, you will have experience of analysing socio-technical systems from a social scientific perspective and an ability to share this understanding with your peers who might be less familiar with these disciplines.
Experience of working on net zero is desirable or an ability to demonstrate transferable knowledge from other similar policy challenges.

The team works from our Bristol, London & Leeds offices. Other Environment Agency office locations may be considered. Flexible working patterns and locations are common and welcome in the Environment Agency. Interviews will take place in early October.

Our team promotes an inclusive culture and welcomes all applicants, including disabled, LGBT+, Black Asian and Minority Ethnic colleagues. Full time, part time and job share applications are all encouraged.

For further details please contact Peter Bailey on 07900226945 or email at peter.bailey@environment-agency.gov.uk

Scientific Knowledge - You'll be able to gather, critically assess and interpret social scientific evidence from a range of sources. You are able to lead your own research projects and contribute to the research of others across a range of disciplines.

Influences and Persuades Others - Presenting a case in a convincing and attractive way that will win people over, encouraging them to participate in and contribute to joint endeavours willingly; often succeeding where hierarchy and reason alone would fail.

Achieves Results - Sets and delivers high work standards, demonstrates the drive to meet targets. Prioritises and organises tasks and resources to ensure timely achievement of results.