This new full-time position for the Sustainable Futures Management Project is expected to start on 1st February 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) for a core fixed period of up to 30th^y September 2028

Role summary

The Postdoctoral Impact Assistant will be a key player in realizing our project ambitions in terms of successful partner engagement, along with the development and translation of findings from the project. The position holder will play an important role in co-producing deliverables that seek to drive positive change towards sustainable transformations. You will work at the forefront of innovation in developing engagement and participatory mechanisms, collaborating with a diverse network of experts to influence local and national governments, campaigns and community groups as the project investigates approaches to sustainability competitions. The role involves supporting the project lead and co-leaders in developing and evaluating innovative approaches to environmental governance, applying lessons learned to both Devon-based and wider contexts, and ensuring lasting impact through partner training and engagement. Key responsibilities include leadership in developing and maintaining partner relationships; Plan and coordinate meetings and events with stakeholders; Work with a project research colleague to conduct qualitative research with stakeholders and audiences; Contribute to academic publications and other project deliverables, disseminate results externally and work alongside community groups, local authorities and public bodies, as well as facilitating the ongoing enhancement of the place-based competitions toolkit to meet the evolving needs of partners and stakeholders.

Job specific tasks and activities include:

• Network development and joint knowledge production: Build and maintain effective relationships with project partners, ensuring collaboration across groups of partners. Linked to this is the focus on active participation and knowledge of co-production processes with existing and new partners.
• Data collection support: Work with a research colleague to support data collection and analysis for the project.
• Publish results: 1) Lead external dissemination of project outcomes through creative and traditional outputs, for example: reports, infographics, videos, social media, policy briefings and web-based resources.
• 2) Contribute and assist in the process of co-production of academic project deliverables across project teams, including journal papers, conferences and briefings.
• Stakeholder engagement guidelines: Lead external communication of research findings and promotion of sustainable practices to industries, governments (devolved, national and local), community groups and the wider public.
• Co-creation and application: Work alongside community groups, local authorities and public bodies to support real-world applications of project deliverables and engagement mechanisms.
• Team engagement and leadership: Collaborate closely with the GSF delivery team, support the smooth running of work packages, and contribute to the delivery of the ESRC-funded project.

About you

Applicants will possess a good honors degree and PhD/postgraduate degree (or equivalent professional experience) in human geography, political science, or similar social science discipline or relevant experience. The successful applicant will have a personal record of implementing, effective knowledge sharing and/or participatory activities with evidence of generating impact.

Please ensure you read the job description and person specification for full details of this role.

University of Exeter

The University of Exeter is an equal opportunities employer. We are officially recognized as a Disability Confident Employer and an Athena Swan Approved Organisation. While all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently under-represented in the workforce..