Position: Researcher – Toxic Remnants of War
Organisation: International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons
Salary: £24,500 pa
Location: Manchester
Hours: Full time – 35 hours
Position type: Paid
Contract: 12 months initially
Closing date: Thursday 29th December 2011
Website: www.bandepleteduranium.org
The International Coalition to Ban Uranium Weapons (ICBUW) is a global civil society network working for a ban on the use of uranium in conventional weapons. ICBUW is now taking a leading role in the development of a new conceptual framework analysing the release, health impact and management of toxic materials during and after conflict. This new post is an exciting opportunity to help frame a new approach to arms control that may eventually lead to new norms protecting the environment and civilian health in conflict.
About the post
ICBUW is seeking a talented researcher to begin documenting the use of a range of hazardous materials during conflict and develop a definition of which properties may make some materials more likely to present a post-conflict hazard to civilian populations. While uranium weapons have been comparatively well studied, the vast majority of substances employed in weapons have not. This includes, but is not limited to, heavy metals, speciality alloys, propellants, fuels, obscurants and explosives. You will focus on their physical properties, mode of use, potential health impact and environmental behaviour.
We require a flexible, creative, committed and talented researcher with a strong eye for detail. You will be expected to cooperate with a variety of NGOs, experts and institutions, produce detailed and reliable reports and present your findings to a range of audiences.
The full-time post will be based in Manchester for an initial period of 12 months. Extensions beyond this period will be subject to funding constraints and performance.
About you
You will have a graduate or post-graduate degree in toxicology, environmental science or a related field and have a strong interest in changing the world for the better through rigorous, evidence-based campaigning. You will be capable of gathering, analysing and understanding information, communicating complex topics effectively and working to tight deadlines. You will be confident in synthesising evidence from different sources and in discussing, and if necessary justifying your position to those with expert knowledge. You will be comfortable speaking to a diverse range of audiences – from diplomats to campaigners - and you will be well organised, imaginative and highly motivated. The post will involve some foreign travel.
You will definitely need:
- an excellent standard of written and spoken English,
- to be educated to graduate or post-graduate level in a relevant field, for example: toxicology, environmental toxicology, environmental science, chemistry and biology.
- experience of producing written reports,
- experience of speaking in public to a diverse range of audiences..
You will be at an advantage if:
- you have knowledge of the arms industry, or experience in arms control or environmental campaigning.
- you have experience working on environmental contaminants or on environmental monitoring or remediation.
- you have knowledge of arms control, humanitarian or environmental law, either at a national or international level.
- you have experience of policy oriented research.
Applications: CV with two referees not exceeding two sides of A4, accompanied by a supporting statement outlining suitability not exceeding one side of A4. Interviews to take place in Manchester the week of the 9th January. Position to start as soon after as feasible but allowances will be made for the right candidate. Applications to be submitted via email AND in hard copy to:
ICBUW
Researcher TRW,
Bridge 5 Mill,
22a Beswick Street,
Ancoats,
Manchester.
M4 7HR
info@bandepleteduranium.org
ICBUW is an equal opportunities employer.
