Postdoctoral EDI Researcher for Inclusive Transport

Postdoctoral EDI Researcher for Inclusive Transport

Full-Time 37694 - 47389 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Conduct impactful research on equality, diversity, and inclusion in transport solutions.
  • Company: Join Heriot-Watt University, a leader in innovative transport research.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 33 days of annual leave, competitive salary, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Collaborate with a diverse team across multiple universities and industries.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in decarbonising transport while promoting inclusivity.
  • Qualifications: PhD in relevant field and understanding of EDI issues required.

The predicted salary is between 37694 - 47389 £ per year.

Role: Postdoctoral Research Associate in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Salary: Grade 7 (£37,694 - £47,389) per annum

Contract: Full-Time (35 hours per week), Fixed Term for 24 months

Holiday Entitlement: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff.

Detailed Description

TransiT is the UK’s largest research hub dedicated to rapidly decarbonising transport through digital twinning. Led by Heriot-Watt University and the University of Glasgow, this £46 million initiative unites 8 universities and 67 industry partners to address transport decarbonisation. TransiT will create a Federated Transport System of Systems (FTSoS), integrating digital twins across road, rail, air, and maritime transport modes. By leveraging real-time data and advanced modelling, in collaboration with industry and all research partners, TransiT will identify the most cost-effective, energy-efficient pathways to net-zero emissions for policy-makers and industry actors, while ensuring accessibility and resilience for all stakeholders involved. The programme includes a team of 27 research associates across 8 universities who will deliver this ambitious research. The post-holder will work within the TransiT Hub at Heriot-Watt University, with a multi-disciplinary team of researchers who specialise in agent-based modelling, logistics and transportation simulation modelling, supply-chain simulation and optimisation. As part of the team, the post-holder will ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion are embedded across the activities of TransiT, both research and operational. We welcome the opportunity to discuss flexible working with the successful candidate, including hybrid working.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

  • Conduct and disseminate original research aligned with the project and in collaboration with the multi-institutional, multi-disciplinary team on equality, diversity and inclusion – this could be EDI in research teams, and/or EDI in transport solutions
  • Work closely with senior decision makers in the industry and across TransiT to enable a programme of work and the evaluation of this research
  • Provide regular updates and progress reports to the project team
  • Lead on the dissemination of research findings in multiple formats including peer reviewed publications
  • Work as part of the broader TransiT consortium to help organize events and/or support the work of the team as needed
  • Contribute to outreach and impact engagement activities of the project
  • Demonstrate initiative in making routine decisions to manage and achieve project deliverables and deadlines
  • Participate in, and develop, networks and collaborations both internally and externally to TransiT
  • Any other duties, commensurate with the grade of the post

Essential Criteria

Qualifications

  • PhD in relevant discipline (or close to successful completion) such as disability studies, sociology, management, transport studies, planning

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

  • Evidence of understanding of EDI issues as they relate to the focus of TransiT and/or research teams
  • Understanding of the social model of disability and/or disability inclusion (including neurodiversity)
  • Evidence of qualitative research skills
  • Evidence of a developing publication record
  • Experience or desire to work with those from other disciplines
  • Evidence of excellent administrative and project management skills
  • Evidence of self-motivation and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Evidence of excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Excellent time management skills including the ability to prioritise workload

Desirable Criteria

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

  • Evidence of success in attracting research grants/external funding and delivering on externally funded research projects
  • Evidence or knowledge to support international activities
  • Evidence of a basic knowledge of the Higher Education context and regulatory framework
  • Evidence of a developing publication record
  • Experience of work environment: Experience of working in a multi-cultural, multi-disciplinary work environment.

How to Apply

Please submit your application via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system with (1) Cover letter (2) Full CV. Applications must be submitted by 11:55pm UK time on 26th May 2026.

Postdoctoral EDI Researcher for Inclusive Transport employer: Heriot-Watt University

Heriot-Watt University is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises equality, diversity, and inclusion within its innovative research environment. As part of the TransiT Hub, employees benefit from a collaborative atmosphere with access to extensive professional development opportunities, competitive salaries, and generous holiday entitlements, all while contributing to groundbreaking research aimed at decarbonising transport. The university's commitment to flexible working arrangements further enhances the appeal of this role, making it an ideal choice for those seeking meaningful and impactful employment.

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Contact Details:

Heriot-Watt University Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral EDI Researcher for Inclusive Transport

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at Heriot-Watt University or within the TransiT project. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for the interview by diving deep into EDI topics related to transport. We want to show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable about how our research can make a real impact.

Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Get a mate to do mock interviews with us. This will help us articulate our thoughts clearly and confidently when discussing our research experience and ideas.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team!

We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral EDI Researcher for Inclusive Transport

Research Skills
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Knowledge
Qualitative Research Skills
Project Management
Communication Skills
Time Management
Collaboration Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your passion for equality, diversity, and inclusion, and how your background aligns with the goals of TransiT. We want to see your personality come through, so don’t be afraid to let us know why you’re excited about this role!

Tailor Your CV:When it comes to your CV, tailor it to showcase your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. Focus on your research background, especially in EDI, and any collaborative projects you've been part of. We love seeing how your unique journey fits into our mission!

Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this role involves original research, make sure to highlight your qualitative research skills and any publications you’ve contributed to. We’re looking for evidence of your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, so include examples of your work that demonstrate this.

Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through the Heriot-Watt online recruitment system! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it helps us streamline the process for everyone involved!

How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University

Know Your EDI Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of equality, diversity, and inclusion, especially as it relates to transport. Be ready to discuss how these issues impact research teams and transport solutions. Having specific examples from your past experiences will really help you stand out.

Showcase Your Research Skills

Prepare to talk about your qualitative research skills and any relevant publications you've contributed to. Think about how your research aligns with the goals of TransiT and be ready to explain your approach to conducting impactful research in a multi-disciplinary environment.

Demonstrate Team Spirit

Since you'll be working with a diverse team, it's crucial to show that you can collaborate effectively. Share examples of how you've worked in multi-cultural or multi-disciplinary settings before, and highlight your ability to communicate clearly and manage projects efficiently.

Be Ready for Flexibility

The role mentions flexible working, so be prepared to discuss your thoughts on hybrid working arrangements. Show that you're adaptable and open to different working styles, which is key in a dynamic research environment like TransiT.