Architect Job: Urban ReLeaf Post-Doctoral Research Assistant – UOD1769

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant (PDRA) with expertise in participatory approaches and a background in urban, environmental, or sustainability research to join the Horizon Europe/UKRI-funded Urban ReLeaf project. This interdisciplinary role focuses on participatory design, community engagement, and knowledge exchange, aimed at shaping future cities through citizen-driven data gathering and insights.

Key responsibilities include the design and facilitation of workshops, evaluation and exploitation of research, stakeholder engagement, and collaborating on research outputs, reports and deliverables. You will play a significant role in contributing to the project’s impact while supporting your own professional development.

We offer a dynamic, collaborative work environment where you’ll join a growing team of design research, urban design, and environmental experts, supported by project partners. You’ll gain valuable experience with Horizon Europe projects, enhancing your knowledge of international research and partnerships. We provide opportunities for travel, professional growth, and development, all within a supportive team culture.

This is a fixed-term contract until 31^st December 2026 with scope to offer flexible working hours. A full job description is attached.

Further information on Urban ReLeaf can be found here: www.urbanreleaf.eu

Your priorities will include:

• Designing and facilitating collaborative stakeholder activities, including workshops, and activities for community engagement across six cities.
• Leading and supporting citizen data collection initiatives, data analysis, and the synthesis of lessons learned.
• Contributing to the establishment and facilitation of a Community of Practice (CoP) focused on urban futures.
• Supporting the development and evaluation of research outputs, reports, and publications that enhance project sustainability and impact.
• Collaborating on interdisciplinary research, producing high-quality deliverables and contributing to team management.

Who we’re looking for:

• A Ph.D. in Urban Design, Planning, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in qualitative research and quantitative data analysis, with a proven track record of research publications.
• Strong facilitation skills for stakeholder engagement, with expertise in participatory design and an understanding of citizen science approaches.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and work both independently and collaboratively.
• Proficiency in project management and collaboration tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Miro, Trello) and researchspecific tools for data analysis and visualisation.

We are one of the UK’s leading universities, internationally recognised for our expertise across a range of disciplines and research breakthroughs in multiple areas, including science, medicine and engineering, amongst many others. Our purpose is to transform lives, locally and globally, which we do as a community of staff (Professional Services and academic Schools), students and alumni. Professional Services directorates are key to delivering the University strategy and driving change across the University.

For further information about this position please contact Mrs Fiona Fyffe-Lawson at Research and Finance Admin lead e-mail: f.j.fyffelawson@dundee.ac.uk.

To find out more about Group/Unit/Team/School please visit Website urbanreleaf.eu.

The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff networks for BME, Disabled and LGBT staff, membership of Athena SWAN, the ECU Race Equality Charter and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.