UKRI Funded doctoral position as part of the EU-funded MSCA Doctoral Network; CoDesign4Transitions

THIS JOB HAS NOW CLOSED

The opportunity

Doctoral Network Job title: Doctoral Candidate 12: Materialising policy options in spaces for experimentation and learning for climate transition as part of the MSCA Doctoral Network; CoDesign4Transitions

Purpose: This doctoral research aims 1) to integrate current theories and frameworks in studies of co-design, transitions design, political science and design for policy; 2) to produce, test and critically assess design artefacts, media and workshops to understand the potential for their deployment and use in local government-citizen engagements in the context of experimentation and learning towards climate transitions (practice research) and 3) to produce a conceptual framework to inform future use of creative design approaches in local government-citizen engagements for experimentation and learning towards climate transitions.

The research expected results include 1) validated creative approaches in the context of climate transitions; 2) framework summarising capabilities for materialising policy options towards experimentation for climate solutions for local government.

Methodology: The doctoral research will involve study of current theories and practices regarding just climate transitions. This will involve in-depth review of current literature and practice, with the objective to integrate knowledge across disciplinary fields. More specifically, this will involve analysing co-design, transitions design, political science and design for policy literature and practices.

Practice research will include design and/or testing related to transitions and futures with residents and local governments. Case study methodology will involve a deep study of a selection of relevant cases (including from secondment organisations), which may be ongoing longitudinal cases, historical or ‘live’ projects. Document analysis, qualitative methods and design may be employed to shed light on whether and how such theories and practices may impact just climate transitions.

Secondments:

· Climate KIC, Copenhagen, Denmark, supported by mentor Dr Carolina Giraldo (3 months);

· London Borough of Camden, London, UK (6 months). This will focus on reviewing the results of the Somers Town Future Neighbourhoods action research supported by mentor Carlos Queremel and to support routes to policy implementation linked to iterative development of the council’s Climate Action Plan, supported by mentor Tom Sharland.

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) in a design or political science or related fields.. 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 12) should have and be able to demonstrate in their application the following:

• Have a strong design orientation; previous experience with participatory methods and action research, public governance and sustainability or transition concepts will be an advantage. 
• Have a research-oriented attitude, open-minded, curious, enthusiastic, with a working style that is driven by theory and practice, proactive, analytic, and empathetic. Capable of working independently, and likes to work in a team, good organizational and communication skills
• Due to the collaborative, multi-stakeholder and transdisciplinary nature of this project, the doctoral candidate should have excellent soft skills to work closely with people from other disciplines and across organizations, as well as communication, facilitation, organizational and project management skills. 

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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