Associate Professor in Urban Environmental Change

University of Leeds

Leeds, United Kingdom

ID: 7232755 (Ref.No. ENVEE1730)
Posted: March 28, 2024

Job Description

Are you an experienced and influential academic with a proven ability to carry out teaching and research on urban environmental change and related topics? Do you have an excellent research record and proven success obtaining funding and the vision and drive to tackle new challenges? Are you passionate about delivering an exceptional world leading research and an exceptional student experience in a Russell Group University? 

The Sustainability Research Institute (SRI) in the School of Earth and Environment is looking for an enthusiastic and self-motivated academic with a focus on urban environmental change to join our world-leading team. Following recent successes in student recruitment and grant income from a range of funders, we are seeking to expand our portfolio of excellent research and teaching. We are specifically looking for someone whose work complements, and adds depth and breadth to that of our current team. 

SRI is an internationally leading centre for research and teaching in interdisciplinary environmental research. Our research groups include economics and policy for sustainability; business and organisations for sustainable societies; environment and development; energy and climate change mitigation; social and political dimensions of sustainability; and climate change adaptation, vulnerability and services. 

We are seeking an experienced and ambitious researcher with a strong motivation to develop and deliver innovative research in the field of urban environmental change. You should have interdisciplinary expertise in cities’ responses to pressures of  climate change, food security, agriculture, ecosystem services, nature-based solutions, planning or a related topic. You will have an excellent research record and proven success obtaining funding and a vision to tackle new urban environmental change challenges. You will bring innovative research-led approaches and solutions to our teaching. You will also bring a broad network of existing research collaborators and a strong interest to work in collaboration with new colleagues across the institute and wider University.

You will contribute to research excellence, leadership and innovation in student education across the School’s Masters and Undergraduate programmes, notably the MSc Sustainable Cities. This will include teaching related to urban environmental change, sustainability and research methods, supervising dissertations, contributing to field courses, tutoring and attracting and supervising post-graduate researchers.

The University has recently started a process of transforming its programme portfolio, with a new Leeds Curriculum that highlights: inclusive and authentic teaching and assessment approaches, evidence-based pedagogies, global citizenship and digital technologies. This ten-year project will involve significant development of our undergraduate and MSc programmes. We are looking for someone who will embrace the opportunity to contribute innovative new teaching approaches and new research-based materials to this process.

What we offer in return

And much more!  

If you are looking for a role that will allow you to make a difference, through research and student education, in how cities are designed and managed in a sustainable world,  apply today.

To explore the post further or for any queries you may have, please contact: 

Professor Alice Owen

Phone: +44(0)113 343 6411

Email: [email protected]


Location:  Leeds - Main Campus
Faculty/Service:  Faculty of Environment
School/Institute:  School of Earth and Environment
Section:  Sustainability Research Institute (SRI)
Category:  Academic
Grade:  Grade 9
Salary:  £56,021 to £64,914 per annum
Working Time:  100% - we are open to discussing flexible working arrangements
Post Type:  Full Time
Contract Type:  Ongoing
Release Date:  Wednesday 27 March 2024
Closing Date:  Sunday 12 May 2024
Interview Date:  To be confirmed
Reference:  ENVEE1730


The University community is made up of a wide range of people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances, which we value and regard as a great asset. As part of our continued commitment to equality and inclusion, we strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and have a real opportunity to participate in and contribute to our activities.