Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to research and validate tools for supporting women in need.
- Company: Be part of the University of Birmingham, a leader in social policy and criminology.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on women's lives while advancing your research skills in a collaborative setting.
- Qualifications: A degree in a relevant field and strong analytical skills are essential.
- Other info: This role is open to women only, promoting inclusivity and diversity.
The predicted salary is between 36130 - 45413 £ per year.
Research Fellow – School of Social Policy and Society – 106174 – Grade 7
Join to apply for the Research Fellow – School of Social Policy and Society – 106174 – Grade 7 role at University of Birmingham
Research Fellow – School of Social Policy and Society – 106174 – Grade 7
1 day ago Be among the first 25 applicants
Join to apply for the Research Fellow – School of Social Policy and Society – 106174 – Grade 7 role at University of Birmingham
Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.
Job Description
Position Details
School of Social Policy and Society
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to May 2026
Closing date: 1st September 2025
Background
Women’s Centres in the UK are third sector organisations that provide practical and emotional support to women with complex needs. Typically service users present with personal histories that are marked by interconnected experiences of physical/sexual abuse, substance use, poor mental health and social marginalisation. Narrow service eligibility criteria often mean that these women are considered ‘too challenging’ to work with, leading to exclusion from statutory services. To date a range of assessment tools are used to work with women facing these issues. Consequently, the ‘Women, Crime & Justice Research Group’ have recently developed the Gendered Well Being Assessment which is a comprehensive trauma-informed quality of life assessment, suitable for women with complex needs, without current criminal justice involvement. The assessment is intended to inform effective support plans and to detailed referrals to statutory services and agencies.
The post holder will form part of the WCJ Research Group and will contribute to the GWA validation study. The study seeks to test the reliability of the tool based on assessments collected in participating Women’s Centres, with the predictive validity of the tool tested with outcomes arising from linked administrative data. The post holder will be responsible for data checks in the data collection phase, as well as queries that might result from implementation of the tool. As part of the validation, the post holder will conduct cognitive interviews to test specific scales in the GWA.
Role Summary
- Work as part of the ‘Women, Crime & Justice Research Group’ contributing to the ‘Effective Women’s Centre’ project (funded by The JABBS Foundation)
- Operate within specialised areas of Criminology and Social Policy
- Analyse and interpret research findings and results
- Contribute to generating funding
- Contribute to public understanding of issues impacting criminal justice involved women
Main Duties
The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.
- Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
- Contribute to writing bids for research funding
- Analyse and interpret data
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
- Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
- Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
- Undertake management/administration arising from research
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
- Contribute to public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, principally through gender responsive assessments and research interviews
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
- Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
- Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.
Person Specification
- First degree in area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
- High level analytical capability
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
- Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
- Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly
- We also welcome applications from those with lived experience of the Criminal Justice System
- This post is open to women only due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies
- Due to the nature of this role, the successful applicant will be required to undergo an Enhanced DBS Check
DBS Required
The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.
Informal enquiries to Professor Simon Pemberton, email: s.pemberton.1@bham.ac.uk
We believe there is no such thing as a \’typical\’ member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website .
Seniority level
-
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
-
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
-
Job function
Research and Other
-
Industries
Higher Education
Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at University of Birmingham by 2x
Get notified about new Policy Researcher jobs in Birmingham, England, United Kingdom.
West Midlands, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 3 weeks ago
Research Fellow – School of Social Policy and Society – 106175 – Grade 7
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 4 days ago
Lead Business Analyst – Policy Administration System
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 1 week ago
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 6 days ago
Associate – Transport Policy & Solutions
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 2 months ago
Associate – Transport Policy & Solutions
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 4 weeks ago
Senior Briefing and Correspondence Advisor
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 4 months ago
West Bromwich, England, United Kingdom 4 months ago
Stakeholder and Public Liaison Consultant
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Coventry, England, United Kingdom 4 months ago
Swindon, England, United Kingdom 4 months ago
Walsall, England, United Kingdom 4 months ago
Bridgnorth, England, United Kingdom 4 months ago
Abbot\’s Salford, England, United Kingdom 4 months ago
Stafford, England, United Kingdom 4 months ago
Research Fellow – School of Social Policy and Society – 96899Z25 – Grade 7
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 5 days ago
Research Associate – Department of Applied Health Sciences – 106159 – Grade 6
Birmingham, England, United Kingdom 1 day ago
Senior Delivery Manager – Quality and Policy
We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Research Fellow - School of Social Policy and Society - 106174 - Grade 7 employer: University of Birmingham
Contact Detail:
University of Birmingham Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - School of Social Policy and Society - 106174 - Grade 7
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Gendered Well Being Assessment and its application in Women’s Centres. Understanding the nuances of this tool will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of social policy and criminology. Attend relevant seminars or workshops to connect with current researchers and gain insights into ongoing projects, which can give you an edge in discussions during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your analytical skills and how you've applied them in previous research. Be ready to provide examples of how you've interpreted data and contributed to research findings, as this is a key aspect of the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of the challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system. Being able to articulate these issues and your commitment to addressing them will resonate well with the values of the Women, Crime & Justice Research Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - School of Social Policy and Society - 106174 - Grade 7
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Research Fellow position. Pay attention to the specific responsibilities and qualifications required, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise any previous research experience, particularly in criminology or social policy. Mention any relevant projects or studies you've been involved in that align with the role's focus on women's centres and complex needs.
Demonstrate Analytical Skills: Showcase your analytical capabilities in your application. Provide examples of how you've successfully interpreted data or conducted research in the past, as these skills are crucial for the role.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the job. Use keywords from the job description to demonstrate that you understand the role and are a suitable candidate.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Understand the Research Context
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by women in the criminal justice system and the role of Women’s Centres. Being able to discuss these issues will demonstrate your commitment and understanding of the research area.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your analytical capabilities and how you have applied them in previous research. Be ready to provide examples of how you've interpreted data and contributed to research findings.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex information in a straightforward manner. This is crucial for the role, as you'll need to communicate findings effectively to various stakeholders, including those who may not have a research background.
✨Engage with Equality and Diversity
Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to promoting equality and diversity within the research context. Understanding the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010 and how they relate to your work will be key.
