Research Associate Rural Low-Carbon Regeneration

Research Associate – Rural Low-Carbon Regeneration (Ruralise project)

We are seeking a motivated and collaborative individual to join our team as a Research Associate on Rural Low-Carbon Regeneration (Ruralise project). This role offers an opportunity to contribute to interdisciplinary research on rural housing inequality and low‑carbon transitions across Europe within a dynamic and inclusive research environment. You will be part of the Horizon 2020‑funded Ruralise project, working with international partners to support sustainable and inclusive rural communities.

We welcome candidates who bring diverse perspectives, experiences, and approaches to their work.

• Conducting qualitative research, including interviews and participatory methods, to explore rural housing and low‑carbon regeneration
• Undertaking literature reviews across energy justice, housing inequality, and rural development
• Preparing research outputs, including reports, publications, and dissemination materials
• Supporting stakeholder engagement, co‑creation processes, and collaboration across European project partners
• Contributing to project coordination, synthesis activities, and knowledge‑sharing initiatives

• Research experience and scholarship in the domains of energy policy, social environmental science and/or human geography
• Demonstrable ability to undertake desk‑based documentary evidence collection and analysis
• Knowledge of household advice and place‑based regeneration approaches
• Knowledge of low‑carbon governance linked to local authorities and the third sector
• Qualitative data collection and analysis skills
• Knowledge of participatory research methods
• Project management experience
• Experience in writing project reports and contributing to outputs in peer‑reviewed journals
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

• A PhD (or equivalent) in human geography, energy, environment, or closely related social environmental science subject areas
• Interest in the development and submission of future funding/research bids
• Knowledge of asset‑based community development and action research approaches
• Readiness to present and discuss findings at conferences and meetings
• Willingness to engage social media and non‑academic organisations in the dissemination of research outcomes

• Generous employer contribution pension
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with Christmas closure
• Ride‑to‑work and EV car scheme available