"Research Associate/Postdoctoral Research Associate: Social and Solidarity Economics - Grade 7"

University of Liverpool - Faculty of Science and Engineering - School of Environmental Sciences - Department of Geography and Planning

Location: Liverpool

Salary: £39,906 per annum

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed-Term/Contract

Placed On: 11th November 2025

Closes: 13th December 2025

Job Ref: 099233

‘The JUST Centre’ is an UKRI-funded centre that is a collaboration between the Universities of Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds, Lancaster and Newcastle as well as impact partners including the Young Foundation. Initially funded for five years, it puts justice at the heart of sustainability transformations: the Centre’s ambition is to support a just transition to net zero by transforming the processes and structures that leave many people and places out of the Low Carbon Living agenda.

The Centre is accelerating research-informed action that engages, enables and empowers marginalised people, to develop methods, tools and strategies for thinking and action on sustainability. By ‘marginalised’ we mean those facing socio-economic, infrastructural, geographical and political inequalities that inhibit their participation in climate mitigation and adaptation, while also increasing their vulnerability to climate change impacts.

‘Joined-up’ means bridging the gaps between myriad, but presently disconnected, evidence bases, interventions and policies focused on sustainability and net zero transformations. By connecting sustainability with justice, research with action, and constituent knowledge producers and community beneficiaries with one another, JUST will advance the shared evidence base and accelerate the capacity for action towards sustainable futures for all places and communities.

Working with Professor Pete North and Dr Helen Holmes, you will take forward the Social, Solidarity and Circular Economy work strand. This asks: what innovations in socially just economic activity are emerging in the North of England to shape sustainability transformations? What alternative economic forms can be seeded, scaled up and proliferated elsewhere? You will investigate alternative forms of economy and enterprise (e.g., repair cafes, community power, alternative food networks, social enterprises, transition towns) to assess what works where and why. The strand will innovate by systematically mapping the existing and potential contribution of alternative economies and forms of enterprise to just transformations in the North of England, disseminating ideas and practices that could be adopted elsewhere. The post is available on a fixed-term basis for up to 12 months.

If you are still awaiting your PhD to be awarded you will be appointed at Grade 6, spine point 30. Upon written confirmation that you have been awarded your PhD, your salary will be increased to Grade 7, spine point 31.

Commitment to Diversity

The University of Liverpool is committed to enhancing workforce diversity. We actively seek to attract, develop, and retain colleagues with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. We welcome applications from all genders/gender identities, Black, Asian, or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, individuals living with a disability, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.

For full details and to apply online, please click on the apply button above.