Overview

This role is for a 48 months Postdoctoral Research Associate, in relation with the project INNATURE   -  Enhancing Biodiversity And Social Inclusion By Transforming Europe’s Living Environments within the EC Horizon programme. The project includes 21 partners in 5 countries coordinated by Tampere University. The UK team includes the University of Sheffield,  Sheffield Hallam University and Regather cooperative. INNATURE proposes to reimagine new (biodiverse, social, cultural and ecological) futures by delivering five innovative demonstration cases across Europe that will illustrate ‘next practices’ in nature-based and design-based  solutions and processes, aiming to change mindsets, affect policy, accelerate and scale-up in different contexts. The job will support research and impact activities through civic participation. The focus of our local activity will be to develop an eco-social living lab in Gleadless Valley. This will include biodiversity monitoring and enhancement, citizen science, nature-restorative design, and civic pedagogy initiatives.  

The project will run for 48 months starting with 1st September 2025.

Your role will involve desktop research and fieldwork in Sheffield consisting in mapping processes, coordinating Art Conversations, conducting Holistic Monitoring and Evaluation Frameworks with inhabitants of Gleadless Valley, and contributing to setting up an eco-social living lab in collaboration with Regather and other local partners. You will participate in local and international meetings and workshops as part of the project team and contribute to the analysis of results, the report drafting and the local and international dissemination of the outcomes.

You will therefore make a contribution to research within the School of Architecture and the Faculty of Social Sciences; undertaking research of distinct originality, producing high quality research outputs, and developing a research programme with impact beyond the academy. You will work under the leadership of Prof. Doina Petrescu and be encouraged to draw on the expertise of other academic staff within the Department.  

Main duties and responsibilities

• Undertake literature reviews relevant to the project scope.

• Gather, organise and analyse all relevant documentary data relevant to the project.

• Conduct primary data collection during fieldwork in Sheffield 

• Liaise with local and international partners of the project 

• Ensure research is conducted in accordance with University policies relating to research ethics and integrity. 

• Collate and analyse data to produce engaging and impactful findings.

• Engage in academic writing to produce high quality research outputs (journal papers, monograph)

• Contribute to report drafting at different stages of the project

• Support the organisation of relevant workshops, seminars and other events.

• Promote the project via websites, blogs and other social media.

• Manage own time and ensure agreed project milestones/deliverables are met.

• Effectively manage project resources in accordance with expenditure plans.

• Develop contacts and networks to support the conduct of the research and develop the impact of the project.

• Make a full and active contribution to the principles of the ‘Sheffield Academic’. These include the achievement of excellence in research and scholarly pursuits to make a genuine difference in the subject area and to the University’s achievements as a whole. Further information on the underpinning values of the Sheffield Academic can be found at: Sheffield Academic. 

• Any other duties, commensurate with the grade 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.

Essential criteria

• Have a PhD in a relevant academic discipline (architecture, urban studies, sociological studies etc.) (Assessed at: application)

• Have proven expertise in analysis and interpretation of research findings (Assessed at: application/interview)

• Effective communication skills, both writing for different purposes (including peer-reviewed papers) and verbal skills (including presenting in academic and non-academic papers) (Assessed at: application/interview)

• Experience of participatory research & action and ability to engage and communicate effectively with a wide range of research participants, partners and stakeholders to establish good working relationships and develop collaborations. (Assessed at: application/interview)

• Have proven expertise in design, graphic representation and application of relevant quantitative and/or qualitative research methods. (Assessed at: application/interview)

• Excellent planning and organisational skills, including the ability to undertake administrative duties efficiently and effectively (Assessed at: application/interview)

• Ability to take responsibility for personal time management and work proactively and independently to ensure that relevant objectives and milestones are met. (Assessed at: application/interview)

• Experience of developing and maintaining a network of contacts, engaging with relevant research and professional groups and bodies. (Assessed at: application/interview)

• Experience of engaging with digital tools and social media for conducting and disseminating research. (Assessed at: application/interview)

• Ability to work collaboratively, and across disciplines where necessary, in identifying research opportunities and developing research partnerships. (Assessed at: application/interview)

Desirable criteria

• Have relevant research project experience and associated appreciation of effective project planning and management skills. (Assessed at: application/interview)

• Have an understanding of interdisciplinary approaches such as biodiversity monitoring, citizen science, artistic interventions, civic pedagogy (Assessed at: application/interview)

Further Information

Grade: 7

Salary: £38,249 - £46,735

Work arrangement: Part-time 

Duration: 48 months starting on 1 September 2025

Line manager: Doina Petrescu, Principle Investigator

Direct reports: N/A

Our website: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/architecture-landscape

For informal enquiries about this job contact
Doina Petrescu, Professor of Architecture and Design Activism: on d.petrescu@sheffield.ac.uk 

Next steps in the recruitment process

It is anticipated that the selection process will take place in July 2025 This will consist of a short presentation of the candidate’s experience followed by an interview. We plan to let candidates know if they have progressed to the selection stage on the week commencing 21st July. If you need any support, equipment or adjustments to enable you to participate in any element of the recruitment process you can contact Gemma Fearnley-Cook on g.l.fearnley-cook@sheffield.ac.uk

Our vision and strategic plan

We are the University of Sheffield. This is our vision: sheffield.ac.uk/vision (opens in new window).

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

  • support for those going through the menopause

  • paid time off and support for fertility treatment

  • and more

More details can be found on our benefits page: sheffield.ac.uk/jobs/benefits (opens in a new window).

We are a Disability Confident Employer. 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.