Research Associate: Joined-Up Sustainability Transformations – Social and built infrastructures
Join to apply for the Research Associate: Joined-Up Sustainability Transformations – Social and built infrastructures role at The University of Manchester.
Overall Purpose
The role holder will principally be responsible for carrying out social and built infrastructures research in the North of England. In line with the Joined-Up Sustainability Transformations (JUST) Centre’s goal to develop equitable and effective research on low‑carbon living, the applicant will investigate the role of social and built infrastructures—particularly community‑based networks, spaces and organisations—in enabling sustainability initiatives across the North West of England (West Cumbria, Tyneside, Greater Manchester, Merseyside, and West Yorkshire) and beyond. This work will rely on mixed methods to identify and investigate how different forms of social and built infrastructure contribute to the decision‑making processes and capacities of just transformation actors, and what lessons these hold for the wider region and the UK.
The role will primarily include qualitative data gathering and analysis methods, including semi‑structured interviews, workshops, focus groups and participatory action research, alongside partnering with local actors to explore the evolution of socially embedded transition initiatives. This may involve working with community centres, libraries, schools, faith groups, housing associations, and other place‑based organisations to uncover their role in supporting climate action and social justice.
The work will be carried out as part of the Centre’s GM Social and Built Infrastructures Thematic Working and Innovation Group (TWIG), led by Professor Stefan Bouzarovski and Dr Claire Hoolohan, in close collaboration with the University of Manchester’s JUST leadership team. The applicant is expected to contribute to broader research across the Centre, including providing support to the Methodological Innovation TWIG and associated centre resource and training development, collaborative work across the five study regions – and especially the Greater Manchester Place‑Based Action Research Team (PART). It will also involve engaging with one or more of the Centre's key themes, and participating in Centre‑wide activities such as workshops and impact‑oriented events.
What you will get in return
* Fantastic market‑leading Pension scheme
* Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
* Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
* Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
* Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers
As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.
Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here. Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.
Please be aware that due to the number of applications we are unfortunately not able to provide individual feedback on your application.
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies. Any CV’s submitted by a recruitment agency will be considered a gift.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews
Email: Stefan Bouzarovski stefan.bouzarovski@manchester.ac.uk
Email: Claire Hoolohan claire.hoolohan@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
Employment details
Senior level: Entry level.
Employment type: Full‑time.
Job function: Research, Analyst, and Information Technology; Industry: Higher Education.
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