Research Associate in Planning in Sheffield

The University of Sheffield is a remarkable place to work. Our people are at the heart of everything we do. Their diverse backgrounds, abilities and beliefs make Sheffield a world-class university. We offer a fantastic range of benefits including a highly competitive annual leave entitlement (with the ability to purchase more), a generous pensions scheme, flexible working opportunities, a commitment to your development and wellbeing, a wide range of retail discounts, and much more.

We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Geography and Planning for a researcher with an interest in the political dimensions of urban planning. Based in one of the UK’s foremost planning schools, you will work with Dr Jason Slade on the ESRC-funded project, ‘Planning and populism: professionals at the precipice’. The project will investigate the relationship between planning and populism in England, looking to explore the implications of new political complexities, understand how planners are navigating them, and how planning might be reimagined for the 21st century.

You will use your skills to make a vital contribution to the project: conducting a variety of original qualitative research, undertaking analysis of data and disseminating findings in high quality outputs. The varied and dynamic role provides an excellent opportunity to develop your skills and take the next step in your career.

We are seeking candidates with a PhD in planning or a discipline of relevance to the project. You should have demonstrable understanding of urban planning in the UK, as well as experience of undertaking qualitative research, ideally including ethnographic and participatory methods.

Main duties and responsibilities:

• Undertake research on planning in line with project requirements (including remote ethnographic fieldwork within the UK that will likely involve overnight stays)
• Collect and analyse a variety of primary and secondary qualitative data from multiple sources
• Read and review literature as appropriate
• Contribute to writing of project outputs, including scholarly publications
• Liaise closely with other academics, advisers and administrators relevant to the project
• Contribute to and attend conference presentations, workshops and research advisory group meetings, as well as assisting in the running of them
• Support project reporting requirements
• Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post

Person Specification:

• A PhD in planning or a discipline of relevance to the project
• Demonstrable understanding of urban planning in the UK, including its political dimensions
• Experience of undertaking qualitative research and analysis
• Experience of ethnographic research
• Ability to conduct participatory workshops with both communities of practice and the general public
• Strong communication skills in a variety of mediums
• Ability to contribute to scholarly publications
• Ability to manage individual workload and to work on own initiative
• Ability to work collaboratively with others
• Willingness to spend periods of time away from home (e.g. whilst conducting fieldwork or attending conferences)

Further Information:

• Grade 7 £38,784 to £41,064 FTE pro-rata to 0.9FTE
• Work arrangement Part-time (0.9 FTE)
• Duration 2 years: 1st January 2027 to 31st December 2028

For informal enquiries about this job contact Jason Slade, Lecturer in Planning and Project Lead: on j.slade@sheffield.ac.uk.

Next steps in the recruitment process: It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in mid-September. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in early-September.

If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact gpl-ops@sheffield.ac.uk.

A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more. Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles. A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel. A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks). Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role. A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes integrated with our Academic Career Pathways. A range of generous family-friendly policies paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies access to menopause support in the workplace paid time off and support for fertility treatment.

We are a Disability Confident Leader. If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.

We are a research university with a global reputation for excellence. Our ideas and expertise change the world for the better, making a real difference to society. We know that when people come together with different views, approaches and insights it can lead to richer, more creative and innovative teaching and research and the highest levels of student experience.

Our University Vision outlines our commitment to building a diverse community of staff and students that recognises and values the abilities, backgrounds, beliefs and ways of living for everyone.