Overview
We have an exciting opportunity in the School of Geography and Planning for a researcher with an interest in the political dimensions of urban planning.
Based in one of the UK’s foremost planning schools, you will work with Dr Jason Slade on the ESRC-funded project, ‘Planning and populism: professionals at the precipice’. The project will investigate the relationship between planning and populism in England, looking to explore the implications of new political complexities, understand how planners are navigating them, and how planning might be reimagined for the 21st century. You will use your skills to make a vital contribution to the project: conducting a variety of original qualitative research, undertaking analysis of data and disseminating findings in high quality outputs. The varied and dynamic role provides an excellent opportunity to develop your skills and take the next step in your career.
We are seeking candidates with a PhD in planning or a discipline of relevance to the project. You should have demonstrable understanding of urban planning in the UK, as well as experience of undertaking qualitative research, ideally including ethnographic and participatory methods.
Main duties and responsibilities
Undertake research on planning in line with project requirements (including remote ethnographic fieldwork within the UK that will likely involve overnight stays)
Collect and analyse a variety of primary and secondary qualitative data from multiple sources
Manage data storage
Read and review literature as appropriate
Contribute to writing of project outputs, including scholarly publications
Liaise closely with other academics, advisers and administrators relevant to the project
Contribute to and attend conference presentations, workshops and research advisory group meetings, as well as assisting in the running of them
Support project reporting requirements
Carry out other duties, commensurate with the grade and remit of the post
Person Specification
Our diverse community of staff and students recognises the unique abilities, backgrounds, and beliefs of all. We foster a culture where everyone feels they belong and is respected. Even if your past experience doesn't match perfectly with this role's criteria, your contribution is valuable, and we encourage you to apply. Please ensure that you reference the application criteria in the application statement when you apply.
A PhD in planning or a discipline of relevance to the project
Demonstrable understanding of urban planning in the UK, including its political dimensions
Experience of undertaking qualitative research and analysis
Experience of ethnographic research
Ability to conduct participatory workshops with both communities of practice and the general public
Strong communication skills in a variety of mediums
Ability to contribute to scholarly publications
Ability to manage individual workload and to work on own initiative
Ability to work collaboratively with others
Willingness to spend periods of time away from home (e.g. whilst conducting fieldwork or attending conferences)
Further Information
£38,784 to £41,064 FTE pro-rata to 0.9FTE
2 years: 1st January 2027 to 31st December 2028
https://sheffield.ac.uk/geography-planning
For informal enquiries about this job contact Jason Slade, Lecturer in Planning and Project Lead: on [email protected]
Next steps in the recruitment process
It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in mid-September. This will consist of an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage in early-September. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact [email protected].
Our vision and strategic plan
We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision ().
What we offer
A minimum of 41 days annual leave including bank holiday and closure days (pro rata) with the ability to purchase more.
Flexible working opportunities, including hybrid working for some roles.
Generous pension scheme.
A wide range of discounts and rewards on shopping, eating out and travel.
A variety of staff networks, providing opportunities for social interaction, peer support and personal development (for example, Race Equality, LGBT+, Women’s and Parent’s networks).
Recognition Awards to reward staff who go above and beyond in their role.
A commitment to your development access to learning and mentoring schemes integrated with our Academic Career Pathways.
A range of generous family-friendly policies
paid time off for parenting and caring emergencies
access to menopause support in the workplace
paid time off and support for fertility treatment
and more
We are a Disability Confident Leader (opens in a new window). If you have a disability and meet the essential criteria for this job you will be invited to take part in the next stage of the selection process.
