Research Associate in Flood Adaptation and Governance for Climate Change

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

Job summary

The University of Glasgow invites applications for a full-time Research Associate funded on the NERC Glasgow Living Lab project (GALLANT), to contribute to Work Package 1 on Flood Adaptation and Creation of Riverscapes. The role focuses on qualitative social science research examining decision-making and governance for climate adaptation in Glasgow City Region.

You will collaborate across geosciences, law, economics and humanities, engage with stakeholders, contribute to publications, and work

Qualifications

• Experience conducting qualitative social science research.
• Ability to work in interdisciplinary teams and engage with stakeholders.
• Eligibility to work in the UK or secure permission to work (visa sponsorship possible).

Responsibilities

• Lead a focussed piece of qualitative social science research examining decision‑making and transformative governance for climate adaptation actions.
• Contribute to formulation and submission of research publications.
• Engage with stakeholders and collaborators across disciplines within a multidisciplinary team.

Job description

This post is full-time (35 hours per week), and has funding available for up to 1 year in the first instance. A starting date of January 2027 is envisaged, or as soon as possible afterwards.

The University has 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 this 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 postholder 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.

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.

Closing date: 18th November 2026 at 23:45pm

We strongly endorse the principles of Athena SWAN, including a supportive and flexible working environment, with commitment from all levels of the organisation in promoting gender equality.

The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401.

£41,064 to £46,049 per annum (Grade 7)