Research Associate (Marketing, Retail and Tourism)

The Institute of Place Management (IPM) is the professional body and learned society for people who make better places. IPM is owned and operated by Manchester Metropolitan University, but with its own constitution to improve standards of place management and support the professional development of the people who serve places. In 2019, IPM was awarded the government contract to host the High Streets Task Force. Running to mid-2024, this major initiative provides training, advice and insight to place leaders and place partnerships across England. The IPM also operates Special Interest Groups, the most significant of these being The BID Foundation, the industry body for Business Improvement Districts. IPM also leads a number of other projects investigating the changing nature of town centres and high streets, runs a successful MSc in Place Management and Leadership, and publishes (with Emerald Group) the Journal of Place Management and Development.

IPM is seeking to appoint a Research Associate to assist with a number of place related projects. You will join a small team of researchers who work collaboratively in the disciplines and sub-disciplines associated with place management. We have excellent relations with a range of partners, generate impactful consultancy and contract research, and work with local, regional and international policy makers to inform and influence research, policy and practice in the field. To have credibility within the place management community, candidates should have a PhD in a relevant subject area, or be working towards one, and experience in planning and/or place management is desirable.

Role

We are looking for an experienced researcher who will conduct internationally recognised research in place management to support research projects led by Professor Cathy Parker and Dr Steve Millington.

You will work collaboratively with the Directors of IPM and other members and partners on research projects, assisting in primary research, producing research outputs, and developing new and existing research partnerships. Working independently, under the guidance of the Principal Investigator(s), you will develop and apply quantitative and qualitative research techniques, analyse data, prepare results for publication and dissemination, and present findings at conferences and stakeholder events.

Ideal Candidate

The successful candidate will have a PhD, or have significant CPD and research experience in Place Management. They will also have evidence of producing high quality research outputs and a commitment to working collaboratively. We are looking for candidates with considerable experience of using quantitative and qualitative research methods and analysing data, and with the ability to communicate research outcomes effectively, orally and in writing, to a diverse range of research end-users. You will have the ability to plan and organise research activities, and to work effectively within a research project team.

For an informal discussion regarding the requirements of the role please contact Dr Steve Millington, Director of the Institute of Place Management (s.millington@mmu.ac.uk).

Manchester Metropolitan University is committed to supporting the rights, responsibilities, dignity, health and wellbeing of staff and students through our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We promote applications from all sections of the community, irrespective of background, belief or identity, recognising the benefits that a diverse organisation can bring . We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minority Ethnic candidates, who we recognise are underrepresented in this area.