Research Associate: Urban Transformation and Innovation (Sustainability Research)

Location: Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom

Company

hirify.global is a higher education and research institution conducting internationally recognised academic research.

What you will do

• Conduct independent and collaborative research on urban transformation, innovation governance, and sustainability transitions.
• Design and deliver qualitative and mixed-methods research, including interviews, workshops, documentary analysis, and comparative case studies.
• Lead and contribute to publications in internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals.
• Support competitive research funding applications for UK and international funders.
• Build productive relationships with city governments, public agencies, industry, third-sector organisations, and research partners.

Requirements

• PhD completed or submitted in Geography, Urban Studies, Planning, Public Policy, Sustainability Science, Innovation Studies, or a related discipline.
• Expertise in urban governance, urban transformation, sustainability transitions, innovation studies, environmental governance, public policy, or regional and place-based innovation.
• Demonstrated experience conducting high-quality independent research.
• Experience with qualitative research methods.
• Experience working collaboratively in interdisciplinary research teams.

Nice to have

• Experience researching cities and place-based innovation across different national settings.
• Experience with mixed-methods or comparative research.
• Experience contributing to collaborative publications and funding applications.
• Experience in knowledge exchange, innovation, policy engagement, or stakeholder workshops.

Culture & Benefits

• Generous employer pension contribution.
• 29 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and a Christmas closure.
• Ride-to-work and electric vehicle schemes.
• Open, diverse, and inclusive academic environment supporting enquiry, debate, and new ideas.