About the Position
The University of Birmingham invites applications for a fully funded postdoctoral research fellow in Arctic Copper Studies. This position is within Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences at the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Birmingham, UK. This fixed-term position until June 2029 focuses on understanding how copper mining affects Arctic Indigenous communities and integrating cultural heritage, environmental monitoring, and policy development. The project will be supervised by Dr. Nadezhda Mamontova and is affiliated with the interdisciplinary COPPER research initiative.
The position offers a competitive salary (£36,636–£46,049, with potential progression to £48,822) and provides opportunities for long-term fieldwork, mixed-methods research, and professional development. Candidates with a background in human geography, social anthropology, Indigenous studies, or related disciplines and experience in community-based research, ethnography, and socio-environmental monitoring are strongly encouraged to apply.
This postdoctoral role represents a unique career opportunity for researchers aiming to contribute to international Arctic research, with a focus on sustainable resource governance and Indigenous cultural knowledge. Applicants will gain experience working in multi-national teams and co-developing policy-relevant outputs with Indigenous partners.
Program / Job Details
- Position: Postdoctoral Research Fellow
- Institution: University of Birmingham, UK
- Department: School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Research Field: Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Supervisor: Dr Nadezhda Mamontova
- Location: Birmingham, UK
- Number of Positions: 1
- Job Type: Full-time, Fixed Term
- Start Date: Flexible, 2026
- Working Hours: Full-time
- Salary / Funding: £36,636–£46,049, potential progression £48,822
This fully funded postdoc in Arctic copper studies at the University of Birmingham is open for one candidate starting in 2026.
Research Area
- Indigenous socio-environmental research
- Cultural and ceremonial uses of copper
- Mixed-methods ethnography and community-based monitoring
- Arctic regions in the USA, Norway, and Canada
The research aims to advance knowledge of the green energy transition, while situating copper within Indigenous cultural and heritage contexts, bridging environmental science with social anthropology.
Eligibility & Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- PhD in human geography, social anthropology, Indigenous studies, area studies, or related disciplines
- Experience in community-based research
- Strong understanding of Indigenous Data Sovereignty, CARE research principles, and ethical fieldwork practices
Preferred Qualifications:
- Fieldwork experience in Arctic or culturally complex settings
- Track record of publications and presentations at national/international forums
- Proficiency with ISN application, relational research methods, and mixed-methods analysis
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct collaborative fieldwork with Arctic Indigenous communities
- Collect, organise, and analyse both quantitative and qualitative data
- Integrate oral histories, museum/archival materials, and socio-environmental observations
- Contribute to academic publications, seminars, and conferences
- Co-develop policy recommendations with communities and stakeholders
Application Process
Applications must be submitted online via the University of Birmingham careers portal.
Required Documents:
- CV / Resume
- Cover Letter (max 2 pages)
- Academic Transcripts
- References / Recommendation Letters
- Publication List (if applicable)
Important Dates
- Applications Open: 10 February 2026
- Application Deadline: 12 March 2026
- Expected Start: 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is this position fully funded? Yes, the post offers a competitive UK salary.
- Can international applicants apply? Yes, international researchers are welcome.
- Are teaching duties included? No formal teaching duties are required.
- What are the expected start and end dates? Flexible start in 2026; contract until June 2029.
- Is prior Arctic research experience required? Preferred but not mandatory if candidates have relevant Indigenous/community research experience.
- Can Indigenous scholars apply? Yes, the project actively encourages applications from Indigenous researchers.
Useful Links / Internal Linking
- Official Institution Website: University of Birmingham
- Job Announcement: Research Fellow in Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Apply Here: UoB Employee Careers
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