Applications are invited for the above position to join the ‘The Waste Tip: Exploring fly-tipping and opportunities for better waste management’ project funded by the University of Manchester’s UMRI Interdisciplinary Pump Priming Grant as part of the Sustainable Futures research platform. ‘The Waste Tip’ aims to explore the phenomena of fly-tipping through an interdisciplinary lens. Fly-tipping is an illegal practice in the UK involving people or companies abandoning waste in spaces, such as by the side of the road or on rural land. In the year 2020/21 local authorities in England dealt with 1.13m tipping incidents (DEFRA, 2021). Fly-tipping is hazardous to human health and the environment, from the releasing toxic waste into ecosystems to the change in biodiversity. This project will utilise interdisciplinary methods to understand waste flows, end-of-life fates, and the circular economy to the phenomenon of fly-tipping as a lens through which we can understand and then build a more sustainable future.
The project will draw upon the University’s uniquely diverse research community, bringing together expertise from Social science, materials science, geoengineering, life-cycle analysis, business models and history. It will be led by Dr Helen Holmes (Lecturer in Social Science, Sustainable Consumption Institute, Sustainable Futures lead for Inclusive and Prosperous Futures), and supported by an interdisciplinary team including: Prof Michael Shaver (Professor of Polymer Science, Director of Sustainable Futures, and Director of the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub); Dr Suneel Kunamaneni (Senior Lecturer in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Alliance Manchester Business School); Dr Majid Sedighi (Senior Lecturer in Geotechnical Engineering, Dept of Mechanical Aerospace and Civil Engineering); Dr Rosa Cuellar Franca (Senior Lecturer, Dept of Chemical Engineering); and Dr Catherine Casson (Senior Lecturer in Enterprise, Alliance Manchester Business School).
The post-holder will use a range of social science and interdisciplinary methods to explore the practices of fly-tipping and its impact in the UK. This will involve combining macro-level national data on fly-tipping alongside micro-level analysis of fly-tipping practices based on a regional case study. Social science methods including key stakeholder interviews, focus groups, and participant observation will be used; alongside developing interdisciplinary skills to explore the economic and environmental viability of fly-tipped goods.
The post-holder will be based within interdisciplinary and collegiate teams of researchers at the Sustainable Consumption Institute (SCI) working with collaborators in the Sustainable Materials Innovation Hub (SMI Hub) and connected to the University’s Sustainable Futures research platform. We are looking for a person with a passion for research and a demonstrable skill to work in a highly interdisciplinary environment and to contribute to fostering transdisciplinary research. Aligned with the SCI’s missions, you will contribute towards the research team’s efforts to conduct research with genuine impact on policy and practice, and to publish in the very highest quality journals (indicatively, these might be Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Journal of Consumer Culture, Sustainability and other social science related journals). This is a 9-month post in the first instance with a possibility to extend to 10 months. Flexible working arrangements will be considered, but prospective candidates should be aware that some on campus work and stakeholder travel will be required to fulfil job duties.
The post holder will be part of the Sustainable Consumption Institute (SCI) and as part of the project team will have links with the Sustainable Futures Platform and the Sustainable Materials Innovations Hub. This will allow the researcher to be part of a supportive and diverse team within the University of Manchester.
Interviews will be held on the 13th October 2022 (candidates will hear back if invited to an interview by 7th October).
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
Blended working arrangements may be considered
Please note that we are unable to respond to enquiries, accept CVs or applications from Recruitment Agencies.
Enquiries about the vacancy, shortlisting and interviews:
Name: Dr Helen Holmes
Email: Helen.Holmes@manchester.ac.uk
General enquiries:
Email: People.recruitment@manchester.ac.uk
Technical support:
https://jobseekersupport.jobtrain.co.uk/support/home
This vacancy will close for applications at midnight on the closing date.
Please see the link below for the Further Particulars document which contains the person specification criteria.
