The University of Manchester is inviting applications for an exciting Research Associate: Urban Transformation and Innovation position within its Faculty of Humanities. This opportunity offers an experienced early-career researcher the chance to contribute to internationally recognised research exploring how cities and city regions can govern innovation, experimentation and institutional learning to respond to complex sustainability challenges. The successful candidate will work within an ambitious research programme led in collaboration with Professor James Evans and will contribute to research examining some of the most important questions facing cities today. As urban areas continue to confront climate change, environmental pressures, inequality and the need for sustainable economic development, there is growing demand for innovative approaches to urban governance and transformation. With a salary of £37,694 per annum depending on experience, the full-time position is offered on a fixed-term contract for 36 months. The role is based at the University of Manchester’s Oxford Road location in the United Kingdom. Opportunity Details Organisation: University of Manchester Position: Research Associate: Urban Transformation and Innovation Job Reference: HUM-032074 Salary: £37,694 per annum depending on experience Location: Oxford Road, Manchester, United Kingdom Employment Type: Full-time Contract Type: Fixed-term Contract Duration: 36 months Faculty/Organisational Unit: Humanities Division/Team: Humanities Dean’s Office Closing Date: 11 September 2026 Join Research Exploring the Future of Cities The University of Manchester’s Department of Geography is seeking an outstanding researcher to support a programme focused on urban transformation and innovation. The research will investigate how cities and city regions govern innovation and experimentation and how institutional learning can contribute to addressing complex sustainability challenges. The successful Research Associate will have an opportunity to contribute to independent and collaborative research while working within an interdisciplinary environment. The role is particularly relevant for researchers interested in the relationships between cities, public policy, sustainability, governance and innovation. Urban transformation has become an increasingly important area of research as governments, public institutions, communities and businesses search for effective responses to environmental and social challenges. Cities are often places where new policies, technologies, governance models and social innovations are tested. Understanding how these experiments develop and how institutions learn from them can play an important role in supporting long-term sustainability transformation. Key Responsibilities The selected candidate will undertake a range of research and professional responsibilities as part of the programme. A major responsibility will involve conducting high-quality independent and collaborative research focused on urban transformation, innovation governance and sustainability transformation. The Research Associate will also design and undertake qualitative and mixed-methods research. This may include conducting interviews, facilitating workshops, undertaking documentary analysis and carrying out comparative case study research. Another important aspect of the role will be contributing to the production of high-quality academic publications. The successful candidate will lead and support the preparation of research outputs for internationally recognised peer-reviewed journals. The position will also provide exposure to the research funding environment. The selected researcher will contribute to the preparation of competitive funding applications submitted to UK and international funders. In addition, the role involves building and maintaining productive relationships with a wide range of external partners. These may include city governments, public agencies, industry representatives, third-sector organisations and other research partners. The University is also encouraging applications from candidates who can bring diverse perspectives, experiences and approaches to the research environment. Who Can Apply? The position is designed for candidates with a strong academic and research background in fields connected to urban transformation, governance, sustainability and innovation. Applicants should have a PhD that has been completed or submitted in a relevant discipline. Suitable academic backgrounds may include Geography, Urban Studies, Planning, Public Policy, Sustainability Science and Innovation Studies, among other relevant fields. Candidates should also demonstrate expertise in one or more areas such as: Urban governance Urban transformation Sustainability transitions Innovation studies Environmental governance Public policy Regional innovation Place-based innovation Experience in undertaking high-quality independent research is essential. Applicants should also have experience using qualitative research methods and working collaboratively within interdisciplinary research teams. The University notes that transferable skills and real-world experience are also valued alongside formal academic qualifications. Additional Experience That Could Strengthen an Application While not essential, several areas of experience may strengthen a candidate’s application. These include experience working on cities and place-based innovation across different national settings, conducting mixed-methods or comparative research, contributing to collaborative publications and research funding applications, and engaging in knowledge exchange or policy engagement activities. Experience organising stakeholder workshops or other collaborative events may also be beneficial, particularly because the role involves engagement with governments, public agencies and other external partners. Why This Opportunity Stands Out This Research Associate position offers more than a conventional academic research role. It provides an opportunity to work at the intersection of urban policy, sustainability, innovation and real-world transformation. The successful candidate will contribute to research examining how institutions and cities respond to major sustainability challenges while also developing experience across research design, fieldwork, publications, stakeholder engagement and funding applications. For researchers seeking to build careers in academia, public policy, urban research, sustainability or innovation, the role could provide valuable experience within an internationally recognised research environment. The three-year contract also gives the selected candidate a substantial period to contribute to major research activities and strengthen their professional research profile. Benefits of Working at the University of Manchester The University of Manchester offers a range of benefits to employees, including a generous employer pension contribution and 29 days of annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas closure. Other available benefits include a ride-to-work scheme and an electric vehicle car scheme. How to Apply Interested candidates should review the full job advertisement and supporting documentation before submitting an application. Applicants should carefully demonstrate how their academic background, research experience and expertise align with the essential criteria for the role. Those applying should particularly highlight relevant experience in urban research, sustainability, governance, innovation, qualitative or mixed-methods research, interdisciplinary collaboration and stakeholder engagement where applicable. Applications close at midnight on 11 September 2026. The University advises interested candidates to ensure they submit their applications before the deadline. This is an excellent opportunity for a researcher ready to contribute to important conversations about how cities can innovate, learn and transform in response to the sustainability challenges of the future. APPLY HERE Interested applicants should visit the official University of Manchester jobs portal and search using Job Reference HUM-032074 to access the complete vacancy details and application process. For more opportunities such as these please follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and WPChannel Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) does not take ownership or credit for the opportunities shared on this platform. All opportunities are sourced from official announcements and external sources for informational purposes only. Applicants are encouraged to verify all details, deadlines and eligibility requirements from the official source before applying. Opportunities may be updated or changed by the providing organisation. JOIN GSO WHATSAPP CHANNEL NOW