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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to deliver impactful research on sustainable solutions and community empowerment.
- Company: Be part of the Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities, driving change towards a Net Zero future.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for travel and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in sustainability while collaborating with top universities and community organisations.
- Qualifications: Passion for social science research and a growing reputation in sustainability are essential.
- Other info: Regular travel within Scotland and UK, with a focus on participatory approaches and stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 37174 - 57422 £ per year.
Job Description
Salary: £37,174 – £45,413 (G7) £46,735 – £57,422 (G8)
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FTE:Â 1 (35 hours/week)
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Term:Â Fixed Term (36 months)
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Closing Date:Â 31 August 2025
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The Strathclyde Institute for Sustainable Communities (SISC) welcomes applications for the position of Research Associate/Fellow*, to join the UKRI funded Integrated Systems Approaches for Accelerating a Just Transition (JUST-Systems) project. JUST-Systems is led by the University of Aberdeen and brings together six leading Universities along with community organisations, businesses, local authorities and Governments across the UK to understand how systems approaches can unlock sustainable Net Zero solutions at scale, break down the barriers to action and empower communities to take ownership of solutions that support their development.
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We are seeking applicants who will contribute to both the delivery of the JUST-Systems project and the development of SISC. We are keen to receive applications from candidates with a growing national and/or international reputation for research in the sustainability space, alongside a passion for translating social science research into useful learning and wider impact. Applicants should evidence their alignment to the University values: people oriented, collaborative, ambitious, innovative and bold.
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\\nThe Research Associate/Fellow will support the delivery of a variety of critical research tasks to deliver the JUST-Systems programme on time and to budget. They will take a leading role in the delivery of the East Ayrshire case study that focuses on the place-based solutions for net-zero and a just transition that are being employed as part of the Community Renewable Energy (CoRE) Project (one of several projects funded by the Ayrshire Growth Deal) as well as leading work on research as part of Work Package 4 – Systems Solutions and Just Transitions to explore potential routes forward for scaling-up place-based solutions across broader scales and contexts.
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\\nThe Research Associate/Fellow will work closely with the University of Strathclyde and the wider academic JUST-Systems team, to design and implement analysis of the case study, including documentary analysis, interviews and workshops on place-based understanding of Just Transition and critical systems analysis. Whilst focused primarily on qualitative research methods, the role will also include collaborating with the energy systems modelling teams to ensure the social science analysis is aligned with systems modelling, to develop evidence-based pathways that inform implementation and policy. The role will focus significant effort on field work, participatory approaches and stakeholder engagement with the opportunity to engage widely across the project teams and UK case studies.
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\\nThe Research Associate/Fellow will involve regular travel within Scotland (particularly East Ayrshire) and UK travel, including the annual science meetings, training events and key engagements such as policy engagement and expert workshops. While this is primarily a social science role, we are seeking a candidate who has interest and capability in interdisciplinary research and can undertake dialogue and research activity across disciplines such as geography, policy, energy systems and engineering, humanities and sociology. An important part of the role will be to support the establishment and growth of SISC, involving the design and operation of core activities and structures.
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Formal interviews for this post are anticipated to be held on the 18/09/2025.
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Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Professor Matthew Hannon (matthew.hannon@strath.ac.uk).
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Research Associate/Fellow (735133) employer: University of Strathclyde
Contact Detail:
University of Strathclyde Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate/Fellow (735133)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the JUST-Systems project and its objectives. Understanding the project's goals will help you articulate how your skills and experiences align with their mission during discussions or interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the sustainability and social science fields. Attend relevant conferences or workshops to meet potential colleagues and mentors who can provide insights into the role and the research landscape.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with qualitative research methods, particularly in relation to community engagement and participatory approaches. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully conducted similar research in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your interdisciplinary interests by highlighting any collaborative projects you've been involved in that span different fields. This will demonstrate your ability to work across disciplines, which is crucial for this role.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate/Fellow (735133)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and requirements of the Research Associate/Fellow position. Make sure you understand the focus on sustainability, social science research, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in sustainability research, qualitative methods, and any interdisciplinary work. Emphasise your contributions to similar projects and your alignment with the university's values.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for sustainability and your ability to translate research into practical solutions. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your skills in stakeholder engagement and participatory approaches.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, make sure to emphasise skills that are crucial for this role, such as qualitative research methods, systems analysis, and collaboration across disciplines. Provide examples of how you've successfully applied these skills in past projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Strathclyde
✨Show Your Passion for Sustainability
Make sure to express your genuine interest in sustainability and social science research. Highlight any relevant projects or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to these areas, as the role is focused on translating research into impactful solutions.
✨Prepare for Interdisciplinary Questions
Since the position involves collaboration across various disciplines, be ready to discuss how your background in social sciences can integrate with fields like energy systems and policy. Think of examples where you've successfully worked in interdisciplinary teams.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the JUST-Systems Project
Research the JUST-Systems project and its objectives thoroughly. Understanding the project's goals will allow you to tailor your responses and show how your skills align with their mission to achieve sustainable Net Zero solutions.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Given the emphasis on stakeholder engagement in this role, prepare to discuss your experience in working with diverse groups. Share specific examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with stakeholders in previous projects.