PRR Project

Summary

CIDTFF aims to hire an Assistant Researcher (R) to enhance research efforts in education for sustainability and community-based learning approaches to address sustainability challenges. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in conducting research, leading research teams, and contributing to the training of researchers within the research unit.TASKS Conducting Research and Leading Teams:   The R will actively engage in designing, developing, and executing research projects focused on education for sustainability and community-based learning.  The R will lead research teams, fostering collaborative environments to generate educational solutions, resources, and research publications. Training of Researchers:  The R will supervise and support undergraduate, master and PhD students and Post-Doctoral Researchers in the development of their research projects. Additionally, the R will organize events to enhance the research culture within and outside the RU. Empowering researchers to engage the public in their projects and promoting responsible research and innovation aligned with CIDTFF´s social responsibility strategy will be key responsibilities. Collaboration with Communities:  The R will foster partnerships with schools, educational institutions, researchers, and local communities to integrate education, science, technology and local knowledge to address sustainability issues. The R will promote schools as open spaces for community engagement and lifelong learning, addressing sustainability challenges through research, education, and community involvement. Dissemination of Research Findings:  The R will disseminate research findings to the academic community through the publication of academic papers, reports, and other scholarly outputs. The R will actively engage in science outreach and knowledge transfer for the non-academic community, ensuring that research results are used to inform policy and practice and contribute overcome challenges. Seeking Funding Opportunities:  The R is expected to lead and collaborate in the preparation of project proposals and funding applications. The R will actively seek funding opportunities to support research initiatives related to education for sustainability and community-based learning.SCIENTIFIC PROFILEPhD degree in natural or educational sciences.Expertise in education research with a focus on science education and education for sustainability.Experience in developing and supporting transdisciplinary research networks and/or citizen science projectsProficiency in leading and conducting research within national and international transdisciplinary teams addressing educational and/or other sustainability challenges.Demonstrated ability to collaborate with schools and non-formal education institutions to foster partnerships.Track record of engaging in science outreach activities at local, national, and international levels.Experience in contributing to researchers´ training to plan and implement robust research projects promoting public engagement in science and aligned with responsible research and innovation principles.RATIONALEThe rationale for this position is strongly supported by the growing emphasis on promoting education for sustainability and the life-long development of key competencies in this area. Institutions worldwide advocate for the integration of sustainability principles into education, emphasizing the need for immersive learning experiences that engage students with diverse stakeholders to address sustainability challenges. This aligns with the broader goals of promoting public engagement in science and participatory research to generate actionable knowledge and solutions for sustainability issues and fostering effective partnerships between key stakeholders. The intersection of these needs presents new opportunities for lifelong learning, benefiting not only students but also all involved partners. However, there is a lack of comprehensive information on how schools can effectively develop and engage in collaborative educational initiatives that promote partnerships with external stakeholders. Additionally, there is a need to understand the learning outcomes for students and project partners engaged in such initiatives, as well as to empower teachers and researchers to effectively participate in these collaborative projects. By focusing on examining the learning experiences within the context of Citizen Science/Transdisciplinary research networks initiatives, CIDTFF aims to uncover valuable insights into knowledge co-creation dynamics and reciprocal learning processes. This research not only contributes to advancing Education for Sustainability but also provides evidence-based strategies to optimize learning outcomes for all partners involved in collaborative research endeavours, including researchers from the UA.