Research Assistant in Just Transitions and Community Wealth Building

at  University of Sussex

CONTRACT TYPE

Fixed Term Contract
About the role
‘Building ‘Common’ Wealth through Just Transitions: The Role of Anchor Institutions in Supporting Community-Led Decarbonisation in Canada and the UK’ is an ongoing interdisciplinary research project funded by the British Academy from 2024 to 2026. This project explores how Community Wealth Building (CWB) and just transitions to green economies can be driven by anchor institutions—large public organisations rooted in local economies—within the UK and Canada. Through a combination of literature reviews, interviews, workshops, policy analysis and international collaboration, we aim to develop research that connects just transitions to policies that build community wealth and democratise the green economy. The project is part of the British Academy’s Knowledge Frontiers: International Interdisciplinary Research Projects 2024 program.
We are seeking a Research Assistant to support the project team in conducting an international comparative analysis of CWB and just transitions. Both are rapidly growing research-policy areas in their own right, meaning the position will offer you the opportunity to gain expertise and publish in dynamic research fields. The successful candidate will play a vital role in advancing the research through literature reviews, stakeholder engagement, workshop organisation, data management, and contributing to high-impact journal publications. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to novel research that bridges energy transitions, economic democracy, social equity, and public policy in Canada and the UK, whilst contributing to innovative just transitions and CWB research outputs. Flexible working hours and remote working are possible for this position, the position would suit a Masters or PhD student needing flexible part-time work.
About you

We are seeking someone who has:

• Experience working on international research collaborations or comparative studies.
• Master’s degree (or near completion) or PhD (ongoing) in Social Science, Energy Policy, Public Policy, or a related discipline.
• Proven research and writing skills, particularly in interdisciplinary topics such as community wealth building, energy transitions, or just transitions.
• Familiarity with community wealth building frameworks and the role of anchor institutions in local and regional economic development.
• Knowledge of ethics protocols and experience in navigating research regulations.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, especially for engaging with stakeholders across sectors and geographies.
• Ability to manage and interpret large datasets effectively.

Essential criteria:

• Background in energy transitions, just transitions and/or net zero policies and decarbonisation strategies.
• Familiarity with qualitative research methods and tools such as NVivo or similar software and data analysis, including interview coding and thematic analysis.

About our School
The Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU) is one of the first interdisciplinary research centres in the field of science and technology and policy studies. Today, with over 70 faculty members, SPRU remains at the forefront of new ideas, problem-orientated research, inspiring teaching, and creative, high impact engagement with decision makers across government, business and civil society. Our research addresses pressing global policy agendas, including innovation challenges posed by the digital economy, the future of industrial policy, inclusive economic growth, the politics of scientific expertise, energy policy, security, entrepreneurship, and pathways to a more sustainable future.
SPRU researchers are driven by a desire to tackle real-world questions, whilst also contributing to a deeper understanding of how science, technology and innovation is shaping today’s world. With a community of over 140 MSc and doctoral students from all over the world, SPRU is also well known for its high quality, research-led teaching programmes.
Please find more information on the Science Policy Research Unit on our website.
Please find more information on the University of Sussex Business School on our website.
Why work here
Our university is situated off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are accessible by public transport; Falmer train station is a five-minute walk to campus and several bus stops are located within campus. We also have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to use these with our offering of a cycle to work scheme.
Sussex is a renowned, multi-accredited, research-led International University and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are a member of Faculty, part of a Professional Services team or a Student, it’s our people that make us great and we want you to be part of that.
Find out about our equality, diversity and inclusion
Further Key Information
For more information and more informal enquiries or questions about the role, please contact either Max Lacey-Barnacle at m.lacey-barnacle@sussex.ac.uk or Martin Boucher at martin.boucher@norquest.ca.
The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed in the UK.
Visa Sponsorship Queries: This role may be eligible for sponsorship. Please consult our Skilled Worker Visa information page for further information about Visa Sponsorship.
October 28, 2024 6:59 PM

Please refer the Job description for details