All Things Urban

Publica is a research and urban design agency that works at a variety of scales, from the detailed design of a single street to setting the vision and strategy for an entire district. We are an ambitious and energetic company that advises local authorities, landowners, developers, architects and community organisations, both in London and abroad. Our projects are driven by rigorous analysis of place and context, combining active, in-depth fieldwork and documentation with an ongoing study of international best practice.

Publica is looking for an experienced and conscientious researcher who can support our project work, commissioned research projects and our internal research programme. It will be the responsibility of the researcher to help ensure Publica’s outputs projects and proposals are based on a thorough understanding of current policy contexts, and help to shape Publica’s contribution to London-wide and national debates on key issues relating to cities, urban neighbourhoods, and the public realm. The ideal candidate will have previous experience working for a local authority, national government, a campaign or advocacy organisation, or in-house at a built environment/architecture practice. They will also have a keen interest in and knowledge of the creation and influencing of UK and urban policy, development of cities, urban neighbourhoods, and the public realm.

- Carrying out desk-based research - including policy, literature and document reviews. - Conducting primary research and stakeholder engagement, including interviews and facilitating workshops. - Analysing qualitative and quantitative research findings to develop key findings, recommendations, and principles and assisting in the creation and assembly of case studies. - Report writing, reading, compiling and preparing data and research materials and findings. - Contributing research in the delivery of other complex and/or multiple urban design, public realm and masterplanning projects. - Monitoring of news, forthcoming research and planning policy consultations and managing submission of Publica’s policy consultation responses. - Management of project deadlines and effective coordination with other Publica internal teams, such as graphic design, communications and administration and managing the work of others, such as freelance research assistants. - Client liaison, including correspondence, attending client meetings and presenting work. - Contribution to sales proposals/tenders / scopes of work for additional services.

- Experience and knowledge of extensive research methods, and an understanding of which methods will be most suitable for developing which outcomes/understandings; i.e. research design. - Excellent written and oral communication - Good understanding of built environment policy, both national and London specific - Experience working successfully with a range of client and stakeholder typesExperience of preparing and managing bids for UK research councils or the equivalent - Skills in quantitative data analysis - Understanding of qualitative research design and methods - Ability to work both independently and collaboratively - Attention to detail and conscientious approach to research - Experience of GIS software desirable - The ability to handle large datasets – whether quantitative or qualitative – and to build, store and manage these - Editorial, fact-checking and proofing skills - The ability to distil large amounts of information into succinct outputs, identifying themes

Unfortunately, it seems like this job is not available for international candidates. Unless you’re eligible for a work visa otherwise, please double-check with the company.