Research Associate in Learning For Transformational Climate Mitigation

The University of Manchester seeks a Research Associate for a fixed-term role in Learning For Transformational Climate Mitigation. The position involves conducting social science research on climate action transferability, reviewing existing research, and engaging with stakeholders. Candidates should have experience in qualitative and quantitative methods and strong interpersonal skills. The role is full-time, lasting 23 months, and offers a salary between £37,174 and £45,413.
Job reference: SAE-028335
Salary: £37,174 - £45,413 per annum, dependent on relevant experience
Faculty/Organisational unit: Science and Engineering
Location: Manchester
Employment type: Fixed Term
Division/Team: Multiple Departments with FSE
Hours per week: Full time (1 FTE)
Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 16/04/2025
Contract duration: 23 months
School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences and the School of Engineering

Applications are required for the above position to:
• Conduct policy-relevant social science research on transferability of transformative climate action
• Review research undertaken by the Centre for Climate Change and Social Transformations (CAST) through the lens of transferability to understand how insights can be applicable across contexts, communities, scales and sectors
• Design and deliver interviews and focus groups with CAST members, affiliates and partners to identify transferrable findings, and critical reflections on transferability
• Present findings through academic and practitioner focused publications and engagement activities

The post requires a highly motivated social scientist who is keen to further their research expertise in transformative climate action. The individual will be responsible for delivering a project which undertakes a review of the CAST Centre’s Phase 1 research, activities and outputs to understand where findings have applicability across contexts, communities, scales and sectors. The research will consist of desk-based research and interviews with CAST members, affiliates and partners. The successful candidate will lead the design and delivery of this synthesis, collate research data from across previous, and ongoing, CAST activities and re-analyse these through the lens of transferability.

The individual will be responsible for delivering a variety of outputs and for sharing lessons from this review. It is anticipated that the outputs from this research will have direct policy and stakeholder relevance. As such, it is important that the individual has strong interpersonal skills and is prepared to conduct knowledge exchange activities.

It is expected that the post holder will have a track record of working on, and understanding, climate action in the CAST areas of focus – mobility, diet, material consumption and thermal comfort; demonstrable experience in qualitative and quantitative social science methods; as well as very strong interpersonal skills to build meaningful and sustainable relationships with members of the CAST community.

The CAST Centre (www.CAST.ac.uk) is an internationally renowned global hub for understanding transformation and addressing the fundamental question: how can we live differently – and better – in ways that meet the urgent need for rapid and far-reaching emission reductions? This post will provide the researcher with a direct link to the wider CAST Centre Community, the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research, and be part of a supportive vibrant interdisciplinary team within the University of Manchester.

This role will contribute to CAST’s workstream on ‘Learning’, undertaking activities to synthesise and develop our understanding of transferability (between contexts, communities, scales and sectors) to contribute to stimulating rapid and meaningful emissions reduction through lifestyle changes. The role would suit an early career researcher seeking to expand their research expertise in the field of transformative climate action. The successful candidate must be keen to engage in policy-relevant interdisciplinary activities and have excellent communication and knowledge exchange skills.

Our University and our Institutes are committed to Athena SWAN principles, promoting equality and diversity throughout the School. Applications are particularly welcomed from women and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic applicants. All appointments are made on merit.

£37,174 to £45,413 per annum, dependent on relevant experience