Research Associate - Policy and Communities Knowledge Exchange in Glasgow

To develop research, knowledge exchange and policy facing activities as a key member of the Civic Imaginary Partnerships project based in the Division of Urban Studies and Social Policy. The role is funded by a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship, and the successful candidate will work with Dr. Michael Howcroft, the research team and partners across the UK to develop long‑term ethnographic understandings of contemporary civic cultures. You will be supported to lead key activities relating to policy engagement with local and central governments and the third sector. The role requires expert knowledge in local governance and participation, creative research methods in community settings and experience developing policy facing materials and activities. Theoretical/conceptual knowledge of place, the civic, and a detailed awareness of place‑based policies and practices across the four nations of the United Kingdom and internationally will be an asset. A flexible/hybrid working arrangement is possible, and given the nature of the research methodology, the project involves some national and international travel. This should not exclude candidates with accessibility needs as adjustments to activities can be planned to successfully deliver the project.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with policy stakeholders across the project.
• Take a leading role in developing policy facing outputs and creative knowledge exchange activities.
• Support the delivery of internal and external communications, the delivery of events and meetings and shape future research, funding, and externally focused activities.
• Design and deliver appropriate media to engage with a range of audiences (including academics, policy makers, press, practitioners and the public) and effectively communicate the project’s aims and outputs.
• Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/School/Research Group/area, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
• Present work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research and/or impact profile.
• Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research and impact.
• 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).
• 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.
• 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.
• Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
• 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.
• Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
• Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with University strategy.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

Essential: 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. A comprehensive and up‑to‑date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the relevant research disciplines as outlined in the Job Purpose. Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge in at least three areas relevant to the field of research, specifically community development, placemaking, civic engagement, community cohesion, cultural policy, communities and local government policy. Well‑developed working knowledge of research methods and techniques relevant to the project as outlined in the Job. This should include i) specific knowledge relating to community‑focused or community‑led policymaking, community development and place‑based policy communications; ii) ethnographic research methods including creative, participatory methods.

Desirable: Practical knowledge working ethically and equitably with participants, including seldom heard communities.

Skills:

Essential: 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. This should include a proven track record of translating complex research into accessible outputs (e.g. policy briefs, toolkits, or workshops) for non‑academic audiences. Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School’s research profile in accordance with School objectives. Excellent interpersonal, team and listening skills and ability to interact effectively with people at different levels within a wide range of companies, public and government organisations, and voluntary organisations. 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. Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities. Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication. Excellent IT skills including social media, virtual working and hybrid/virtual networking.

Experience:

Essential: Experience of influencing local or national policy, perhaps through evidence submissions to government consultations or select committees. Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement. Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.

Desirable: Experience working directly with community‑led organisations, local authorities, or place‑based initiatives.

In addition to Division/School/Institutional resources and opportunities this role has ringfenced funding for training and development, including attendance at national and international conferences.

Terms and Conditions: Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum pro rata. This post is part‑time (21 hours per week), and has funding available for up to 24 months.

Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG): The University of Glasgow is committed to safeguarding children and protected adults by ensuring that individuals in regulated roles are appropriately vetted and monitored. The University of Glasgow’s PVG policy aligns with the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020 and reflects the legal requirements effective from 1 April 2025, including the mandatory PVG Scheme membership for regulated roles. The post for which you are applying is considered to be a regulated role under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020. Under the Act, individuals working in a regulated role must be a PVG Scheme member before employment. If you are successful in your application, the offer of employment will be conditional on a satisfactory PVG Scheme record check.