The Welsh Government (WG) Soils Policy and Land Use Team is seeking a PhD student for a placement
opportunity. The Soils Policy and Land Use Team is responsible for soil policy, Best and Most Versatile (BMV)1 land protection policy, minerals policy (agricultural after use) and peatland policy.
The post holder will undertake a range of duties, linked to production of the SPS. This will primarily be supporting the Soil Scientist Research Fellow to review and incorporate the findings from the co-design process into the Statement plus liaison with stakeholders (farmers and internal policy teams). The post holder will be encouraged to develop their own ideas for the SPS, supported by the WG Soil Policy Team. They will also have the opportunity to contribute to a journal paper on the development of the statement.
The intention is to host the post holder for a 3-month period, although longer placements of up to six months would be considered.
The post holder will be embedded within the Soil Policy and Land Use Team alongside the Soil Scientist Research Fellow. There may be the opportunity for collaborative working with a Social Scientist PhD student placement to incorporate findings into the final draft of the Statement and work on wider issues arising from the evidence gathered from the co-design process.
The placement provides an opportunity to gain insight into the functioning of Welsh
Government and evidence-based policy development at the highest level. The post-holder
will work in an interesting and diverse team, contributing to the shaping of a future policy
direction. The post-holder will be expected to work independently within parameters and
guidelines provided by the Welsh Government. Working closely with a wide range of
colleagues the successful candidate will build valuable working relationships, broaden their
knowledge of public policy-making and enhance their existing transferable skills.
For further information about the post and details of how to apply please download the following: