Research Assistant in Grassroots Innovations in Energy and Housing

About the role:

You will work as a research assistant in the context of the Prefigure Horizon project primarily conducting qualitative empirical research. Prefigure focuses on existing and emerging individual and collective efforts to actively develop alternative and innovative practices that promote a more just and sustainable housing and energy transition. The project's pioneering transformative approach aims to identify, trace, analyze, and network emerging and active “prototypes of change” related to the housing-energy efficiency/energy poverty nexus. These prototypes encompass a range of structured social, political, and economic innovative practices that contribute to affordable housing renovation schemes and solutions addressing housing inequalities, particularly benefiting vulnerable households and communities. The prototypes have already been selected and include two case studies, one in Greece and one in the UK.

What you would be doing:

You will conduct qualitative and ethnographic research to understand the drivers behind specific prototypes of change and their role in addressing housing and energy inequalities. Interviewees will include policy experts, various types of innovators, and local communities. You will focus on two case studies—one in Greece (Ioannina) and one in England (Brixton)—and will contribute to the production of a comparative analysis of existing and emerging prototypes. This analysis will help develop a comprehensive catalogue on the drivers, capacity, and impact of prototypes that favor vulnerable households and communities by addressing housing and energy inequalities, in collaboration with the other project partners. Additionally, you will contribute to the creation of a learning community between partners from academia and practice.

What we are looking for:

• PhD near completion or recently completed in Human Geography or/and Political Ecology, with a focus on social innovation and grassroots initiatives.
• Basic knowledge of the local economic and social framework of peripheral Greece, with a preference for prior research experience in grassroots initiatives in the local area (Ioannina).
• Experience in qualitative research methods, with a preference for innovative research methods in Human Geography, such as counter-mapping and the use of artistic methods.
• Experience in academic publishing.
• Fluency in both English and Greek.
• Proficient in IT-based communication tools.
• Willingness to participate in conferences, workshops, and project meetings.
• Excellent communication skills and experience working in an interdisciplinary cooperative team environment.
• Experience working on EU-funded projects.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to work on a European collaborative research project

• The opportunity to continue your career at a world-leading institution

• Excellent working conditions in an inclusive and creative research environment

Further Information

It is highly desirable to be able to take the position as soon as possible as the project has already started.

If you require any further details on the role please contact: Dr. Elia Apostolopoulou – e.apostolopoulou@imperial.ac.uk.

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