Post-Doctoral Research Associate (Rural-Spatial-Justice) in Aberystwyth

The Role

The Role

We are seeking to appoint two Post-Doctoral Research Associates to work on the Rural-Spatial-Justice project, led by Professor Michael Woods. The project examines patterns and dynamics of rural support for disruptive political movements, sentiments of rural discontent, and perceptions of spatial injustice, with responses addressing polarisation and promoting social and spatial justice. The post-holders will contribute to the research through the collection and analysis of qualitative data, including library, online and field research, interviews, ethnography, textual analysis and participatory methods. The post will be based in Aberystwyth and will involve domestic and international travel, including extended periods of field research potentially in the UK, USA, France, Austria, Poland and/or Romania. Responsibilities include intellectual and methodological design contributions, routine project management, and dissemination of results (writing scientific outputs, social media and online content, and presentations).

To make an informal enquiry, please contact Professor Michael Woods at m.woods@aber.ac.uk.

Appointments are normally made within 4 - 8 weeks of the closing date. The anticipated start date is 1 October 2025.

What you’ll do

As a Post-Doctoral Research Associate (PDRA) you will contribute to the delivery of the Rural-Spatial-Justice project, specialising in the collection and analysis of qualitative data. The project is a five-year program (1 January 2024 to 3 December 2028) funded by the European Research Council and UKRI Frontier Research Guarantee.

You will work as part of a project team at Aberystwyth University led by Professor Michael Woods, alongside named co-investigators and advisors in the UK and US.

Rural-Spatial-Justice investigates rural voters’ involvement in disruptive politics (e.g., Brexit, populist trends) and develops a framework using spatial justice to explore connections between disruptive politics and rural discontent, including inequalities and perceptions of injustice. It considers implications of populist or exclusionary discourses for rights and explores inclusive approaches to address discontent and promote spatial justice.

The project uses a mixed methods strategy with qualitative, quantitative and participatory data across international comparative research (UK, USA, Italy, and others). It focuses on multiple scales and country contexts, including potential additional European countries depending on language competencies.

The project is organized into six work packages (WP1–WP6). As a qualitative PDRA you will contribute to WPs 1, 4, 5 and 6, including online interviews and textual analysis (WP1), field-based interviews and ethnography in case studies (WP4), and participatory research and dialogues (WP5).

The specific responsibilities include:

• Conduct literature reviews and collate information from peer-reviewed and grey literature to inform methodology and data analysis.
• Undertake desk-based, online, library and archival research, including data-scraping where appropriate.
• Design, develop and deliver methodological strategies and conduct field research to collect qualitative data (interviews, focus groups, ethnography, participatory methods).
• Analyse qualitative data and contribute to the synthesis of diverse data to identify key themes.
• Disseminate findings through peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations, social media, podcasts, and non-academic engagement.
• Collaborate with team members to manage and deliver the research programme, including record-keeping, reporting, data collection support, and event organization.
• Process and prepare data according to the University’s data management policy and for archiving.
• Ensure compliance with the University’s ethical policy and protocols.

• Undertake health and safety duties appropriate to the post.
• Commit to the University’s Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy and contribute to a bilingual and inclusive working environment.
• Engage in ongoing professional development and training as appropriate.
• Perform other reasonable duties commensurate with the grade of the role.

This job description is subject to review and amendment in light of changing needs and development opportunities. Details of the role profile can be found in the Academic Role Framework at Aberystwyth University.

The post will be based in Aberystwyth with travel requirements for field research, conferences, etc., including extended periods in the UK, USA and/or Europe. Some travel and fieldwork may be scheduled outside core hours and may be compensated by time off.

You will be employed in the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences (DGES) at Aberystwyth University and affiliated with the Centre for Welsh Politics and Society (CWPS) and WISERD, with encouragement to participate in related activities and networks.

Who you are – Qualifications, Experience, Knowledge and Skills required

Essential

1. PhD (completed or near completion) in Human Geography, Politics, Sociology, or a relevant field.
2. Research experience at postgraduate or post-doctoral level on topics related to the project themes (e.g., rural politics, populism, electoral geography, spatial justice).
3. Experience in field-based qualitative data collection methods.
4. Understanding of Rural-Spatial-Justice concepts and relevant academic context.
5. Ability to conduct interviews and field research in at least one of French, Dutch, German, Polish or Romanian.
6. Proven skill in qualitative data analysis and critical interpretation.
7. Strong academic writing and presentation abilities; publications and/or conference experience.
8. Understanding of research ethics and political context of the research.
9. Self-motivation, organization, and ability to work to deadlines, including independent fieldwork.
10. Strong interpersonal skills and teamwork ability.
11. Awareness of bilingual environment and Welsh language support (Level A0*).

Desirable

1. Experience of international field research outside the UK.
2. Experience communicating research to non-academic audiences.
3. Quantitative data analysis skills (if applicable).
4. Welsh language proficiency level (Level A1* or commitment to learn).

*More information on Welsh Language Levels can be found at the Welsh Standards page.

How to apply

Universities may consider flexible working arrangements (full-time, part-time, job share, or term-time). Applications must be made through jobs.aber.ac.uk. Applications may be submitted in Welsh or English and will be treated equally.

Benefits

• Flexible working policy
• 36.5-hour week for full-time roles
• Generous annual leave and university holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Enhanced employer pension contributions
• Staff recognition and reward schemes
• Free Welsh language learning
• Staff relocation bursary
• Maternity, paternity, parental and adoption leave
• Staff discounts on campus facilities

Employment Visa

We welcome international applicants eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Route. The university will support Certificate of Sponsorship for an SWR application but will not cover visa fees for the candidate or dependants. Prospective candidates must meet a 70-point threshold, with details as follows:

Mandatory criteria (50 points):

• Job offer from a UK licensed sponsor
• Above minimum sponsorable skill level
• English language knowledge for the role

Tradeable criteria (up to 20+ points):

• Salary meets minimum threshold
• PhD in a relevant field
• PhD in a STEM field relevant to the job
• Role on the UK Shortage Occupation List

Additional information on Welsh language and visa guidelines can be found at the links provided by the university and government resources.