Research Associate

University of Glasgow; Glasgow; Hybrid; GBP 41,000 - 46,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

41 days annual leave

Pension scheme

Flexible working

UofG Sport membership (6 months)

Job summary

University of Glasgow invites applications for a Research Associate to lead a qualitative social science study within the NERC-funded GALLANT project in Glasgow.

You will work with interdisciplinary teams across geosciences, law, environmental economics and social sciences, engaging with stakeholders and contributing to publication and dissemination.

The post offers full-time hours, Grade 7 salary and opportunities for collaboration and professional development. Closing Date 18 November 2026.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant social science discipline (e.g. Political Science, Anthropology, Environmental Law, Development Studies, Human Geography, Urban Studies, Planning) or equivalent professional experience.
• Knowledge of geography, politics, environmental law, planning, urban studies, or related areas; current issues and future directions.
• Ability to identify objectives, review literature, and draft papers independently.
• Knowledge of environmental/climate/governance issues in Scotland/UK.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and conduct of qualitative research within the Work Package.
• Publish research outputs in high-profile journals; engage with stakeholders.
• Develop interdisciplinary research strategy with WP team.
• Present work at international/national conferences and seminars.
• Foster collaborations with stakeholders across the Work Package and wider community.

Skills

Qualitative methods

Academic writing

Interdisciplinary collaboration

Public engagement

Time management

Education

PhD in a relevant social science discipline

Tools

Qualitative analysis software

Job description

Job Purpose

We have an exciting opportunity for a Research Associate to make a leading contribution to the NERC-funded project in the Changing the Environment Strategic Programme Glasgow as a Living Lab Accelerating Novel Transformation (GALLANT) (P-I Professor Jaime Toney), Work Package 1, ‘Flood Adaptation and Creation of Riverscapes’ (Work Package), working with Work Package 1 Co-Leads/Co-Investigators (Dr Martin Hurst, Dr Gierdre Jokubauskaite, Dr Lazaros Kariolatas, and Professor Larissa Naylor). Our work package is interdisciplinary in scope, and the currently advertised role aims to produce new thinking and transdisciplinary research outputs to facilitate implementation of climate change adaptation actions to live well with growing tidal flood risks in Glasgow City Region.

The successful candidate will lead a focussed piece of qualitative social science research examining decision-making and transformative governance arrangements that support implementation of climate change adaptation actions. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of a research publication, as well as engaging with stakeholders. The post involves engaging with multiple disciplines including geosciences, geomorphology, environmental economics, law and social sciences, and arts and humanities-based methods for creative engagement around climate futures. The tasks involved in this role build on the data gathered and research conducted by other members of the work package, so ability to work in a team, and willingness to be part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary research agenda is essential.

Please contact Professor Jaime Toney (email: [e-mail]), Dr Lazaros Kariolitas (email: [e-mail]) and/or Professor Larissa Naylor (email: [e-mail]) for further information on this project and position.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Take a leading role in the planning and conducting of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the deliverables of the Work Package. In particular, the Research Associate will:
   • Study, document and analyse lessons learned from innovative climate adaptation interventions (such as Granton waterfront and Seafield Masterplan in Edinburgh) using semi-structured interviews and other qualitative research methods.
   • Analyse pre-existing interview data of practitioners in Glasgow City Region, and conduct additional interviews if it proves necessary, in order to identify effective and equitable transformative governance arrangements and pathways that can support climate adaptation and flood risk management decision-making.
   • Building on the case studies and an in-depth understanding of the regional governance arrangements, draw links to higher levels of governance (UK, Scotland) to identify pathways for effective flood/erosion risk and adaptation.
2. Document research outputs including maintaining records and database, analysis, interpretation and open access sharing of all data.
3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow and the Project, including leading the writing of a collaborative academic paper for an internationally recognised, high-profile/quality refereed journal, working with the WP1 team to enhance the sharing and impact of our research.
4. With support from the work package team understand the research challenges associated with the project and subject area, develop/implement a suitable, critically engaged interdisciplinary research strategy.
5. Presentation of work at an international and/or national conference, and if desired, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance your research profile.
6. Have a supporting role in developing and maintaining collaborations with stakeholders and colleagues across the Work Package and wider community (e.g. the GALLANT project, Academic and Industrial Partners). Participation in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops with stakeholders at different levels (Glasgow City Council, Scottish Environmental Protection Agency, etc.) and other research activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the of the Work Package and the GALLANT project.
7. Perform administrative tasks related to their activities within the Work Package.
8. Make a contribution to teaching activities and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School.
9. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
10. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
11. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Line Manager and the Leads of the Work Package.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge and Qualifications

Essential:

• A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) in a relevant social science academic discipline (e.g. Political Science, Anthropology, Environmental Law, Development Studies, Human Geography, Urban Studies, Planning, or other related fields), or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s).
• A2 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject area or subject specialism of geography, politics, environmental law, planning urban studies, human dimensions of climate change and/or environmental management.
• A3 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature, design and drafting of papers.
• A4 A knowledge of environmental/climate/development/planning governance in Scotland/UK through relevant research and/or in practice.

Skills

Essential:

• C1 Expertise in mixed methods qualitative social science research, including gathering, coding and analysis of preconstructed and self-constructed data.
• C2 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs for academic and non-academic audiences in a timely and efficient manner.
• C3 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
• C4 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals/conferences commensurate with career stage.
• C5 Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities.

Desirable:

• D1Evidence of research specifically on transformative governance and/or climate change adaptation.

Experience

Essential:

• E1Experience of working with non-academic stakeholders, e.g. conducting research involving practitioners across sectors and/or co-production of policy recommendations.
• E2 Experience working in interdisciplinary research teams (this could include interdisciplinary PhD supervisory teams).
• E3 Experience of conducting interdisciplinary qualitative research on the issues of environmental and/or climate governance.
• E4 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience, normally including sufficient doctoral or postdoctoral experience in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher.

Desirable:

• F1 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities and/or demonstrable experience of research leadership (e.g. coordinating research activities, sessions at conferences).
• F2 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of the literature and drafting of papers.
• F3 Experience of writing policy briefs, guidance or similar outputs for non-academic audiences.
• F4 Experience of leading or co-leading workshops with external non-academic stakeholders.
• F5 Sufficient depth of relevant interdisciplinary research experience, normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field such as within urban studies, law, geography, human dimensions of climate change, politics or environmental management or another applicable field appropriate to an early career researcher.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours per week), and has funding available for up to one year in the first instance. A starting date of January 2027 is envisaged, or as soon as possible afterwards.

All applicants must have the right to live and work in the UK or be eligible to obtain permission to work in the UK.This role may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker visa route, subject to meeting the relevant Home Office requirements, including any applicable tradeable points criteria. Further information can be found on the University of Glasgow’s UKVI Website.

For research and academic roles, we will also consider whether the Global Talent visa route may be available, subject to individual eligibility.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1. A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2. An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook benefits and discount packages.
3. A flexible approach to working.
4. A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University.
5. A flexible approach to working.
6. A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website for more information.

Closing Date: 18 November 2026 at 23:45pm