Defra: social research fellow supporting tree health and plant biosecurity

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs invites applications for a social research fellow supporting tree health and plant biosecurity.

The role will be to provide strong social science input, advice and analysis into the area of tree health and plant biosecurity and wider plant health. Detailed knowledge of tree health and plant biosecurity policy area is not essential, only desirable. Defra are looking for a social researcher to help scope and identify key social science evidence gaps and improve the impact of social science in this policy area. The work will support the responsibilities of Defra’s animal and plant health evidence and analysis team, specifically in relation to social science support to the area of tree health and plant biosecurity, including wider plant health, thereby supporting policy development and its implementation. The role will require interaction across a range of government bodies. The length of the placement is negotiable, but the initial contract will end by 31 March 2013. The fellow will receive a salary and non-estate on-costs as well as negotiated levels of travel and subsistence.