"Research Associate (FSE) - Air Spaces: Getting the Measure of Air"

The University of Manchester - Science and Engineering - Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences - School of Natural Sciences

Location:	Manchester
Salary:	£37,694 to £39,906 per annum depending on experience
Hours:	Full Time
Contract Type:	Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On:	23rd February 2026
Closes:	6th March 2026
Job Ref:	SAE-030898

Job reference: SAE-030898

Salary: £37,694 - £39,906 per annum depending on experience

Faculty/Organisational Unit: Science and Engineering

Location: Oxford Road

Employment type: Fixed Term

Division/Team: Department of Earth & Environmental Sciences

Hours Per Week: Full time (1 FTE)

Closing date (DD/MM/YYYY): 06/03/2026

Contract Duration: Fixed term for 24 months

School/Directorate: School of Natural Sciences

We are seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Research Associate to work an interdisciplinary project ‘Air Spaces: getting the measure of air’ lead by Professor Sophie Woodward in the Department of Sociology, University of Manchester.

The project starts on 1st June 2026 and the contract is for 2 years. The Research Associate will be based in Centre for Atmospheric Science. The project is an interdisciplinary collaboration between social, health, atmospheric sciences and heritage studies. The project aims to:

1. Develop an understanding of air quality that integrates different disciplinary approaches
2. Deploy air quality measurement methods, ensuring they are accurate, accessible, and relevant to different groups/disciplines.
3. Through measurements of outdoor and domestic indoor air quality, understand the exposure inequalities to poor air across Greater Manchester
4. Strengthen community approaches to air quality, supporting local efforts to articulate concerns and engage more effectively with academia and policy.

Across this work we are appointing two Research Associates to lead on this innovative project using quantitative measurements alongside qualitative and creative approaches to explore how community groups and different disciplines “get the measure” of air quality in a range of environments. It is an interdisciplinary project that involves working across and with other disciplines. Working with external partners, including Manchester City Council, Trafford Council, Transport for Greater Manchester and community groups, the project examines poor air quality, the relationships between indoor and outdoor air and how different groups understand and measure air. The two Research Associates will work closely together, with one specialising in air quality measurements and analysis and the other in qualitative and creative methods.

Under the guidance of the Principal Investigator (PI) and in close collaboration with the wider project team, the Research Associates will play a central role in shaping, developing, and leading the delivery of the project.

What you will get in return:

• Fantastic market leading Pension scheme
• Excellent employee health and wellbeing services including an Employee Assistance Programme
• Exceptional starting annual leave entitlement, plus bank holidays
• Additional paid closure over the Christmas period
• Local and national discounts at a range of major retailers

As an equal opportunities employer we welcome applicants from all sections of the community regardless of age, sex, gender (or gender identity), ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation and transgender status. All appointments are made on merit.

Our University is positive about flexible working – you can find out more here.

Hybrid working arrangements may be considered.