Non-binary professional seeks room

I am a non-binary person (not female or male) with a 2 year post-doc contract (a research job, I am NOT a student so i do have to pay council tax) at University of Manchester (Oxford Road) looking for a room or apartment with a pleasant and convenient walking, cycling or public transport commute (<35min). Proximity to the city centre would be preferred. I'm a physicist doing experimental research on rotating systems that explores how gravitational and quantum effects might combine.

I would prefer a move in date towards the end of October or towards the start of November, I can be a bit flexible on this. I am ideally looking for something i can stay in for around 2 years (to match my contract, this might get extended), but i might need to take something short term while i look for something longer-term. A rough budget of £650pcm for a room in a shared house (2-4 people total), more if living alone. In total including bills & council tax I would go up to around £850pcm (£950 for a flat to myself). I am not bringing any furniture with me so a furnished place would be preferred.

I am a tidy and quiet housemate, non-smoker. Queer folks + vegetarians/vegans to share with preferred but not required, just because i am asexual and vegetarian myself. Pets are fine, cats are definitely a bonus. An arty + crafty household would be ideal. I like to draw and paint (especially when travelling) as well as go to the cinema and theatre. From a housemate i'm mainly looking for someone to watch tv shows with from time to time, sometimes cook meals together and go to events.
Keen to make the most of my time in Manchester - going to events in the city etc. I travel quite often so will usually be away for at least one long weekend each month.

Mostly looking for a room that's available but also open to buddying up to look for somewhere with the right person/people/cats 😅