At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct innovative research on urban transformation and sustainability challenges.
- Company: Join the University of Manchester's dynamic Humanities team.
- Benefits: Enjoy 29 days leave, pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Open to diverse perspectives and offers excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on cities while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields and experience in qualitative research methods.
The predicted salary is between 37694 - 37694 £ per year.
The Department of Geography seeks to appoint an outstanding Research Associate to join an ambitious programme of internationally recognised research on urban transformation and innovation. Working closely with Professor James Evans, the successful candidate will support the delivery of a research programme examining how cities and city regions govern innovation, experimentation and institutional learning to address complex sustainability challenges.
You will be responsible for:
- Undertake high-quality independent and collaborative research on urban transformation, innovation governance and sustainability transformation.
- Design and undertake qualitative and mixed-methods research, including interviews, workshops, documentary analysis and comparative case study research.
- Lead and contribute to the preparation of high-quality publications in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals.
- Contribute to the preparation of competitive research funding applications to UK and international funders.
- Develop and maintain productive relationships with city governments, public agencies, industry, third-sector organisations and other research partners.
We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.
About You
We encourage applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. You should demonstrate:
Essential Criteria:
- A PhD (completed or submitted) in Geography, Urban Studies, Planning, Public Policy, Sustainability Science, Innovation Studies or another relevant discipline.
- Demonstrable expertise in one or more of the following: urban governance; urban transformation; sustainability transitions; innovation studies; environmental governance; public policy; regional or place-based innovation.
- Experience of successfully undertaking high-quality independent research.
- Experience of qualitative research methods.
- Experience of working collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams.
Desirable Criteria:
- Experience relating to cities and place-based innovation across different national settings.
- Experience of mixed methods / comparative research.
- Experience of leading or contributing to collaborative publications and funding applications.
- Experience of knowledge exchange, innovation or policy engagement.
- Experience of organising stakeholder workshops or collaborative events.
We value transferable skills and real-world experience as much as formal qualifications. Our benefits include:
- Generous employer contribution pension
- 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, along with Christmas closure
- Ride to work and EV car scheme available
For more information, please see University of Manchester Benefits. You can also find information on our Flexible and Hybrid working here. We are an open place of enquiry and challenge. We embrace and celebrate difference, diversity and debate, and we pride ourselves on being a place of education, learning and community where we are able, within the law, to question and test received wisdom, express new ideas and explore controversial or unpopular topics and opinions.
Find out more from our Freedom of Speech Policy.
Enquiries about the role, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Professor James Evans
Email Address: James.Z.Evans@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries and administrative support: recruitmentservices.people@manchester.ac.uk
Technical and job portal support: Job Seekers Support
Applications close at midnight on the closing date.
Research Associate: Urban Transformation and Innovation in Manchester employer: Economics Network
The University of Worcester is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that values innovation in education. As a PGCE Secondary Science Lecturer, you will have the opportunity to inspire future educators while benefiting from professional development and a flexible part-time schedule at our vibrant St John’s Campus. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the field of education and enjoy a comprehensive benefits package tailored for your needs.
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