Job Purpose
To develop research, knowledge exchange and impact activities in the field of architecture, design and placemaking. The role is a crucial aspect of the ‘Delivering Humanised Places’ project funded by UKRI and working in partnership with Heatherwick Studio/Humanise.
The role requires expert knowledge and demonstrated experience in architecture, placemaking, and the built environment. Particular expertise includes a theoretical/conceptual knowledge of people-centred placemaking, innovative methodological approaches, experience of working across disciplines, experience/willingness to conduct applied research, working with non-academic partners, and a detailed awareness of various place-based policies and practices across the United Kingdom and internationally.
The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this project as opportunities allow.
For further details, please contact Professor Rebecca Madgin: rebecca.madgin@glasgow.ac.uk
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Perform the following activities in conjunction with Professor Madgin and other team members as appropriate:
1. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy to deliver project/area requirements and opportunities.
2. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research and/or impact profile.
3. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research and impact.
4. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/area/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners).
5. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group/area activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
6. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
7. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including budgets/expenditure.
8. Contribute as appropriate to teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating, etc) and associated administration, as may be assigned through the School in consultation with your line manager.
9. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
10. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
11. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager and the Head of School.
12. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with University strategy.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge & Qualifications
Essential
A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience across architecture, placemaking, and the built environment.
A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within architecture, placemaking, and the built environment.
A3 Well-developed working knowledge of research methods, technical models, equipment and techniques relevant to architecture, placemaking, and the built environment including systematic/scoping reviews.
Skills
Essential
C1 Ability to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature and to be effective both orally and in writing at a level appropriate to the activity.
C2 Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile in accordance with School objectives.
C3 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage, including some experience of research project supervision.
C4 Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities.
C5 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.
C6 Demonstrated experience of working with external partners to effect policy and practice change and evidence of personal contribution to this.
Experience
Essential
E1 Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.
E2 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.
E3 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.
E4 Experience of interdisciplinary working and understanding of relevant areas within and outside of arts and humanities e.g. architecture, design, placemaking, neuroarchitecture and/or environmental psychology.
Desirable
F1 Experience of participating in activities that translate research into impact to benefit the economy and wider society.
F2 Experience of contributing to the design and delivery of teaching and assessment in higher education or other relevant environments.
F3 Experience of working internationally with key partners across architecture, placemaking, and the built environment.
F4 Awareness of evolving research and innovation as related to architecture, placemaking, and the built environment.
F5 Evidence of conducting systematic/rapid scoping reviews related to architecture, placemaking, and the built environment.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.
This post is full time (35 hours per week) and fixed term for up to 15 months in the first instance.
All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK or be eligible to obtain permission to work in the UK.
This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant Home Office requirements, including any applicable tradeable points criteria. Further information can be found on the University of Glasgow’s UKVI Website.
For research and academic roles, we will also consider whether the Global Talent visa route may be available, subject to individual eligibility
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/ benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
Closing Date: 28 October 2026 at 23:45pm
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Research Associate - Delivering Humanised Places in Glasgow employer: University of Glasgow
The University of Glasgow is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. As a part-time Diary & Administrative Support Specialist, you will benefit from flexible working arrangements, opportunities for skill development, and the chance to contribute to a vibrant academic community in a historic city known for its rich cultural heritage.
