At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a team analysing policy failures in sustainability innovation.
- Company: Be part of the prestigious Alliance Manchester Business School, renowned for impactful research.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, potential hybrid work options, and a vibrant academic environment.
- Other info: Engage with leading experts and participate in workshops with policymakers.
- Why this job: Contribute to meaningful research that shapes sustainable policies globally while collaborating with international partners.
- Qualifications: Research experience in sustainability or policy, strong qualitative skills, and diverse educational backgrounds welcome.
The predicted salary is between 37174 - 45413 € per year.
Job reference:HUM-029342
Salary:£37,174 to £45,413 per annum dependent on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational Unit:Humanities
Location:Manchester
Employment type:Fixed Term
Division/Team:Innovation Management and Policy
Hours Per Week:Full Time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY):12/09/2025
Contract Duration:24 months
School/Directorate:Alliance Manchester Business School
Alliance Manchester Business School, University of Manchester
Are you a highly motivated researcher with an interest in understanding and shaping effective transformative policy for sustainability? The world-renowned Alliance Manchester Business School is seeking a Post-Doctoral Research Associate to join a team working on Mission-Oriented Innovation Policies for Sustainability.
This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an ESRC/Trans-Atlantic Platform (TAP) international project that is exploring “Policy Failures in the design and implementation of Mission-Oriented Innovation Policies (MOIPs) for Sustainability. Working collaboratively with partners in Canada and Poland, the successful candidate will analyse why MOIPs for sustainability sometimes fall short of their goals and contribute to the identification of strategies to mitigate these policy failures. The project aims at answering the following overarching research questions: (a) what are the main policy failures in in the design and implementation of MOIPs for sustainability? (b) What configurations of factors (causes) lead to specific failures? (c) Which governance and policy strategies are suitable to address these failures? The research employs in-depth qualitative analysis, including case studies, questionnaires, interviews, and workshops with policymakers and relevant stakeholders.
We are specifically looking for someone with research experience in sustainability and transformative policy, committed to impactful research and publication, and with strong qualitative research skills. We particularly welcome candidates who can demonstrate excellent qualitative research skills and the ability to interact with a diversity of stakeholders (including policy makers) and communicate research findings to both academic and non-academic audiences. The position is open to applicants with diverse educational backgrounds including innovation policy, sustainability transitions, public policy, or management studies.
The PDRA will be based at the Alliance Manchester Business School and become part of the Manchester Institute of Innovation Research (MIOIR). The Alliance Manchester Business School is one of the world’s leading business schools, ranked 2nd in the UK for research power. The University of Manchester, located in the heart of Manchester and the Oxford Road Innovation District, enjoys a reputation for ground-breaking research and innovation. They will also be able to interact with colleagues at The Sustainable Consumption Institute (SCI) widely recognized for its international reputation and pioneering research in the field of sustainable transitions.
The appointed candidate will be expected to play a full part in the intellectual life of the school and be physically based in Manchester for the duration of the contract.
In the Additional Information section of the application form, please include a discussion of your capabilities, experience including required and desirable methodological skills, and research interests related to sustainability and transformative innovation policy.
Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Prof. Mercedes Bleda
Email:mercedes.bleda@manchester.ac.uk
£37,174 to £45,413 per annum dependent on relevant experience
#J-18808-LjbffrResearch Associate: Mission Oriented Innovation Policy for Sustainability in Manchester employer: britsoccrim
The Alliance Manchester Business School offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, where researchers are encouraged to engage in impactful projects that shape transformative policies for sustainability. Located in the vibrant city of Manchester, employees benefit from access to cutting-edge research facilities and a diverse network of international partners, fostering both personal and professional growth. With a strong commitment to innovation and sustainability, this role provides an excellent opportunity for meaningful contributions to global challenges while enjoying a supportive and intellectually stimulating atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate: Mission Oriented Innovation Policy for Sustainability in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest research and trends in sustainability and transformative policy. This will not only help you understand the context of the role but also enable you to engage in meaningful discussions during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of innovation policy and sustainability. Attend relevant conferences, webinars, or workshops to connect with potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights and possibly refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your qualitative research skills in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of past projects where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders and communicated findings effectively, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Alliance Manchester Business School and its current projects. Understanding their focus areas and recent publications will allow you to tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate: Mission Oriented Innovation Policy for Sustainability in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and required skills for the Research Associate position. Tailor your application to highlight your relevant experience in sustainability and transformative policy.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter:Write a compelling cover letter that discusses your research interests and how they align with the project’s goals. Be sure to mention your qualitative research skills and any experience working with policymakers or diverse stakeholders.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV, emphasise your research experience related to sustainability and innovation policy. Include specific examples of past projects, methodologies used, and outcomes achieved to demonstrate your capabilities.
Discuss Methodological Skills:In the Additional Information section of the application form, provide a detailed discussion of your methodological skills and experiences. Clearly outline how these relate to the requirements of the role and the project’s focus on policy failures.
How to prepare for a job interview at britsoccrim
✨Understand the Research Context
Familiarise yourself with the key concepts of Mission-Oriented Innovation Policies and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss recent developments in these areas and how they relate to the project at the Alliance Manchester Business School.
✨Showcase Your Qualitative Skills
Highlight your experience with qualitative research methods, such as case studies and interviews. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with diverse stakeholders and communicated findings effectively.
✨Prepare for Policy Discussions
Since the role involves analysing policy failures, think about specific examples of policy challenges in sustainability. Prepare to discuss potential strategies for addressing these issues and how your research can contribute to impactful solutions.
✨Engage with the Interviewers
Demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role by asking insightful questions about the project and the team. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position aligns with your career goals.
