Fixed Term Contract until 31st July 2027

The University Strategy 2035 sets our ambition to develop high-quality, impactful research and knowledge exchange (RKE) that transforms lives, and which makes a world-leading contribution in the areas of green innovation and sustainability, health and wellbeing and inclusive communities. This post-doctoral research fellowship scheme is introduced to support strategic development of research, RKE environment and impact with the QR funding allocated for the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences (FABSS). The plan is to support 0.6fte post-doctoral research fellowships under this scheme.

With a PhD or near completion or other relevant post-graduate research qualification, the fellows will be creative, enthusiastic and have experience in relevant research, methods and outputs.

We are seeking to appoint a Post Doctoral Research Fellow to support the following project.

After the Riots: Civil Society Responses in an Era of Populism and Polarisation

We are seeking applicants with a background in related social science disciplines that include but are not limited to: Geography, Social Policy, Sociology, Politics, Social Psychology, and Economics. This project particularly relates to the RKE strategy goals:

Develop a research and innovation environment and culture that fuels a high-performing RKE community through attracting and retaining talent. Increase the quality of our research by focusing on applied and impactful research, and through supporting interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to address key regional, national, and global challenges.

Through its focus on developing new funding proposals and external impact activity we will:

Increase the volume of externally funded research, and we will build on existing and foster new strategic partnerships with the public sector and third sector organisations to support innovation, cocreation and knowledge exchange activities.

It will adopt a clear impact-driven strategy: by aligning our research with regional and national issues to ensure clear measurable impact that is proactively planned and supported.

The research project sits squarely within ICRD’s research programme. ICRD coordinates and leads all research activity within UoA20, and through this project there will be opportunities for ICRD Associate Staff within UoA20 on research and teaching contracts (for instance), to learn from, contribute to, and apply the research emerging within the project.

We are seeking a highly talented and ambitious researcher to join the Institute for Community Research and Development to support an exciting programme of empirical research that will employ mixed methods, primarily qualitative that might include semi-structured interviewing, developing area-based case studies, participant observation, and potentially other creative and participative methods. The project will also entail support with a systematic literature review, preparation of a larger research proposal for submission to national funders, and the preparation of one or more academic research outputs. You will provide support with a variety of specific research tasks, including desk-based tasks such as literature searching and reviewing, qualitative thematic analysis and preparation of articles for submission to journals.

The Institute for Community Research and Development (ICRD) was established in 2017 to undertake applied research that drives policy developments, delivers effective community-based transformational projects, and promotes social mobility. We welcome applications from excellent candidates who can contribute to our successful Institute and its ambitious plans. To be considered for this post you will be a trained researcher, qualified to postgraduate level in one or more of the following academic disciplines (or related similar fields): : Geography, Social Policy, Sociology, Politics, Social Psychology, and Economics.

You will have experience of undertaking research as part of a team and able to demonstrate your flexible commitment to a variety of different research challenges. You will be required to work independently and as part of a team to undertake the tasks described above. You will have experience of applied research, with relevant and appropriate research methodologies. You will have strong qualitative research skills (or quantitative skills that can be adapted or transferred), an appreciation of mixed-methods approaches, and abilities spanning all stages of the research-project cycle, particularly data analysis and reporting.

Contact: Dr Joshua Blamire (j.blamire@wlv.ac.uk)

Staff Benefits

You may be eligible to choose from a number of benefits during your appointment, subject to any rules applicable to the relevant benefit (as amended from time to time). Further details of these benefits are available on the intranet.

Your Benefits

We believe employees should be recognised for their hard work and contribution to the University's growth and success and offer an attractive range of competitive benefits to all staff:

Competitive salaries
Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University's defined contribution scheme.
Long Service Recognition - £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.
Free Will Writing Service - Complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
IT & Mobile Discounts - EE Perk (20% off for family &
friends) & software discounts.

Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing

Wellbeing and Mental Health Support - 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
Eyecare Support - Free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
Flu Vouchers - Free flu vaccinations for staff.
Paycare Health Benefit Plan - Covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – Access to multi-faith chaplaincy services.

Valuing You

Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
Flexible & Agile Working - Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements.
Free On-site Parking - available across campuses
Cycle Benefits Scheme - Save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
Employee Discounts - Savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
Travel Discounts - Up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.

Training and Development

Staff Network and Inclusion - Access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
Library Access - Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
Staff Scholarship Scheme - Funding for part-time higher education, up to PhD level
Leadership and Management Development - Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.

The University of Opportunity for Students and Staff

As part of our commitment to ensure the diversity of our staff body reflects those of the student and local communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority heritage, and candidates who are Disabled (including people who may not define themselves as disabled, but nevertheless encounter challenges)

PLEASE NOTE: Applications are scored against the criteria set out in the job description and person specifications attached to this advert. Applications are not assessed against the job advert so please ensure your applications are crafted against the Job Description and Person Specification contained within it.

Centre for International Development and Training (CIDT) jobs

Post Doctoral Research Fellow (0.6fte) - (After the Riots)