UKRI Funded Doctoral Position as part of the EU-funded MSCA Doctoral Network; CoDesign4Transition

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The opportunity

Doctoral Network Job title: Doctoral Candidate 11: Identifying leverage points and facilitating multi-level design experiments that enable just ecological transitions as part of the MSCA Doctoral Network; CoDesign4Transitions

Purpose: The CoDesign4Transitions doctoral research project aims to study and integrate particular approaches and practices from ‘transition studies’ and ‘design for sustainability’ best suited to enable a just ecological transition. An important outcome will be a conceptual framework that articulates set of key approaches, theories and tools relevant to ‘transition design’, evidenced through concrete cases. Analysed case studies will be a basis for evidencing relevant approaches within actual transition processes as well as for identifying gaps and future opportunities. In addition, particular transition design methods and tools will be developed and advanced. Thus, cumulatively, the purpose of this research is to provide a set of conceptual and practical ‘heuristics’ that advance knowledge across multiple academic disciplines and that is relevant to practitioners in consultancies, governmental and third sector organisations. This Doctoral Candidate (DC) will, together with several other DCs, contribute to a higher-level objective of understanding the application and adoption of design, transition and public participation practices that facilitate organisational change at different scales.

Methodology: The doctoral research will involve study of current theories and practices regarding just climate transition. This will involve an in-depth review of current literature and practice, with the objective to integrate knowledge across transition theory and related organizational and design practices. More specifically, this will involve analyzing particular theories of change and mapping out multiple related tools (such as ‘multi-level perspective’, ‘x-curve’, etc.).

Case study methodology will involve a survey and selection of relevant cases (including from secondment organizations Stockholm Environment Institute and EY Seren), which may be ongoing long-term cases, historical or ‘live’ projects. Indicative topics include mobility, waste, energy, food system and land-use transitions, with stakeholders spanning supply chains, businesses and government, civil society households and indigenous communities. Document analysis, qualitative methods (such as interviews) and design may be employed to shed light on whether and how such 

theories of change and tools can be put into practice, and, furthermore, how these may impact just climate transitions.

While literature review and case studies will the primary research methods, practice research may include designing and/or testing tools related to transitions and futures; using or training others in collaboration, facilitation and creative methods and tools; developing transition design roles within organizational and policy contexts; ‘speculative experimentation’ with developed tools and roles within ‘live’ cases.

Secondments:

· Stockholm Environment Institute, Sweden (3 months) supported by a mentor (Dr Fiona Lambe) to map transition cases in relation to the extant literature on ecological transitions and design within multi-level systems.

· EY Seren in London (6 months) supported by a mentor to develop case studies of facilitated transition design experiments including participant observation and interviews.

This doctoral position is funded by UK Research and Innovation. Apply here

About you

Candidates applying for an open position must fulfil all of the following eligibility criteria:

• Not have been awarded a doctoral degree. Researchers must not already be in possession of a doctoral degree at the date of the recruitment. Candidates are required to have a Master’s degree (or an equivalent university degree or extensive professional experience). Researchers who have successfully defended their doctoral thesis but who have not yet formally been awarded the doctoral degree will NOT be considered eligible to apply.

• Mobility rule. Researchers can be of any nationality and must comply with the following mobility rule: they must not have resided or carried out their main activity (work, studies, etc.) in the United Kingdom for more than 12 months in the 36 months immediately before their recruitment date. Compulsory national service, short stays such as holidays and time spent by the researcher as part of a procedure for obtaining refugee status under the Geneva Convention are not taken into account.

• Employment rule. Researchers applying to positions recruited by the University of the Arts London (UAL) must not be already permanently employed by UAL.

• English language proficiency*: Applicants must have a demonstrable C1 level of English (both speaking and in writing). Evidence must be provided pre-admissions/enrolment into the program following the guidance and minimum requirements specified by the Hosting University. In the absence of a recognised certificate, candidates should check the rules at the university where they will be enrolled. *Native English speakers are exempt from this requirement.

• Further, during employment candidates must agree to not receive any other source of income. NB: If you do not meet all conditions, your application will be rejected. For complete eligibility details, including special circumstances and evidence to be submitted, check Annex 2, “Guide for applicants” accessible via the externally managed application portal 

In addition to the above criteria, candidates applying to this position (Doctoral Candidate 11) should have and be able to demonstrate in their application the following:

• Have a Master’s degree [or equivalent/extensive professional experience] in environmental or sustainability sciences, transitions management or transition design, strategic or service design, or another related field; strong experience or knowledge of systems theory and practice, human-centred and collaborative design, social sciences.
• Have an attitude that is openminded, curious and enthusiastic, and; a working style that is proactive, analytic and empathic. 
• Have, or being open to developing, strong academic and analytic skills as well as qualitative research methodologies and a keen interest in design, systems thinking and creativity.
• Due to the collaborative, multi-stakeholder and transdisciplinary nature of this project, the candidate should have excellent ‘soft skills’ including communication, facilitation, organizational and project management skills. Given the transdisciplinary nature of the project, it’s desirable that the DC is attentive to issues of gender, power and diversity. 

We are UAL

University of the Arts London (UAL) generates and inspires the creativity the world needs for a better future. Since 1842, our colleges have been defining creative education. With curiosity, imagination and intent we make work which creates lasting change for people and our planet. London is core to who we are, a place where we meet and share ideas with people from different backgrounds and cultures.

Our creative network influences learning, culture, industry and society on a global scale. Our academics and practitioners deliver creative education and inspire new ways of thinking through research and innovation. We work with students at every level from pre-degree and short courses to postgraduate and online learning, enabling them to build the careers they want. Together, we are a community of makers, thinkers, pioneers and storytellers redesigning the future.

Our culture

We are a global University, welcoming over 22,000 students and 6,000 staff from 130 countries. We aim to be a university where people can be themselves and feel supported to reach their full potential. That’s why we are proud to be members of the Race Equality Charter (REC) and Business Disability Forum, are a Disability Confident Scheme Committed and Living Wage employer and maintain our status as a Stonewall Diversity Champion.

Application process

We operate a fair and open anonymous selection process. Thus, you will need to create an account and submit an application through our job board. As part of this, you will need to provide a supporting statement/answer some competency questions to demonstrate your suitability. Our recruitment process involves: Application, Shortlisting, Interview and Assessment, Offer, Onboarding.

We understand the benefits of using AI in work. But, if you are thinking of using it to submit an application, we ask you to think about what value it adds. AI tools tend to lack the personal touch and authenticity we value in candidates. We encourage you to showcase your unique knowledge and skills using your own voice.

If we receive a high volume of applications, the closing day date might close early. We aim to communicate any changes to the closing date with at least 24 hours’ notice. If you have any general questions or have accessibility needs, please refer to our Contact us page.

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