The research is a small pilot project to explore how citizen science approaches may be used to understand nighttime ecologies and habitats, and in what ways engaging with nature supports social experiences and perceptions of urban spaces after dark. We will run events with four community groups across Sheffield, using easy-to-use scientific recording equipment such as bat detectors, moth traps and thermal imaging cameras. The research is led by two landscape architecture academics, supported by a RA with responsibility for community liaison, and includes a community art element (run by an artist). 

This role is to be a second RA on the project, someone with ecological expertise. This RA needs to be able to give some insights into some of the nature that they might find, and help groups shape an appropriate simple research question (for example, what habitats are preferred by bats). You do not need to be a current expert on nocturnal animals or insects. Being able to do an initial search for information and resources, and communicate some broader principles about urban mammals or insect life, is more important than an existing specialism in this area.

Tasks include:

• Conducting initial research on relevant information relating to animals and insects likely to be encountered in the sessions. This is at a fairly basic level appropriate for a fun activity with participants including older children and people with english as an additional language.

• Working with the research team to devise appropriate activities for the four evening sessions, including familiarisation with the equipment.

• Attending the four evening sessions to give participants some insight into an ecological understanding of nighttime nature. For example, use of a field guide for identification, observation of different habitats, impact of microclimate. 

• Attending up to two follow up sessions with participants which are facilitated by an artist. 

• Recording observations and sharing reflections on experiences within the sessions.

Essential criteria

• Have achieved or are currently undertaking a degree at undergraduate or postgraduate level in a relevant subject (zoology, biological sciences, science communication). 

• Be able to communicate effectively and enthusiastically about urban ecology with members of the public.

• Well organised, collaborative and reliable. 

• Be familiar with taking joint responsibility for risk assessment on site. 

Desirable criteria 

• Experience of contributing to public engagement or citizen science events

• Have conducted research on urban ecology related to the themes of the research (for example, in a dissertation). 

• Have experience of using these specific items of scientific equipment. 

• An interest in the social science aspects of this research project: how people feel about being out in urban greenspace in dusk or after dark.

• Speak a language additional to English (languages that might be the first language of some of our participants are: Urdu, Ukrainian, Nepalese, Mandarin, Tamil or Shona).  

Further information

• The role is paid on an hourly basis £17.58 + £2.12 holiday pay per hour

• Hours of work would be undertaken between 27th April and 26th June, focused mainly around the four participation sessions in evenings (dates TBD), and including some team meetings and preparation time. It is mostly in person work (in the university or on site in Sheffield), though some of the preparatory work can be conducted remotely.  

• The research has undergone ethical review and risk assessment. We will ensure that you are not working solo in public spaces after dark and can cover taxi expenses back home.

Application Process

• Please submit your application by email to [email protected], 2 sides of A4 as a pdf. This attachment should include 1 side cover letter related to why you are interested in this position, 1 side of succinct CV content, highlighting key experience and qualifications as relevant to this position. Please use the subject line Job Application - Casual Research Assistant - [Applicant Name]

• Please state if there are any dates within the time period that you are definitely unavailable in evenings, for example if you already have a holiday booked for a week or you already have a work commitment on a regular weekday evening. We expect to have some flexibility about the scheduling of the evening sessions, but if you want to check beforehand if something would be a problem feel free to email Clare before preparing an application. 

Deadline for applications: Tuesday 7th April

Interviews (can be online): w/c 13th April 

Questions to: 

Clare Rishbeth [email protected] (before 27th March)

Elisa Olivares Esquivel [email protected]