All Things Urban

The University of Manchester is part of the prestigious Russell Group of universities, with outstanding facilities and the widest range of courses. We are highly respected across the globe as a centre of teaching excellence and innovative research.

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. We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

• 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.

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.

Fixed term for 36 months, full time (1 FTE). Benefits include generous employer contribution pension, 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure, and Ride to Work and EV car scheme.

£37,694 per annum depending on experience

We’re not fully sure whether this role is open to international candidates. If you would need visa sponsorship or work authorisation, we recommend checking directly with the employer before applying.