At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead participatory workshops and conduct interviews to explore community harms affecting young people.
- Company: Join Northumbria University, a top-ranked research institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working hours, generous holidays, and excellent pension schemes.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in understanding and improving community safety for young people.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant fields like Youth Work, Sociology, or Education required.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 41064 - 46049 £ per year.
We are seeking a highly motivated research associate to join our team, to support the delivery of a project funded by the Leverhulme Trust titled 'The Horror of Place-based Harms'. The project explores extra-familial harms — harms that young people experience outside the family home in peer groups, neighbourhoods and community settings — and how the places where these harms occur can be better understood and made safer. It will draw on transdisciplinary approaches to do this, seeking inspiration from horror and the Gothic.
The post-holder will take a leading role in the design and delivery of participatory workshops with young people, applying creative research methodologies within a collaborative and supportive team, and conduct interviews with professionals and community members. They will join a collaborative interdisciplinary team comprising academics from Social Geography, Childhood Studies, English Literature and Arts and Design, alongside a doctoral researcher, supported by an advisory board of practitioners and creative professionals.
The post-holder will be required to work both autonomously and as part of the broader team, contributing to research delivery and dissemination, including writing for publication. Excellent communication and organisational skills are essential.
This role is fixed term for 36 months and will start on 1st October 2026. This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 therefore the successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check.
Applicants should hold a PhD and have demonstrable specialist expert knowledge in a relevant discipline such as Youth Work, Social Work, Geography, Sociology, Education and Anthropology.
If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact Dr Tom Disney. To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.
We welcome applications from the UK and across the world.
Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us.
With over 37,000 students from more than 140 countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.
Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence.
The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.
Apply now and join a community committed to transforming society and the economy.
Research Fellow in Communities & Education - Newcastle upon Tyne in Bishopton employer: Northumbria University Newcastle
Contact Detail:
Northumbria University Newcastle Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Communities & Education - Newcastle upon Tyne in Bishopton
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the project you're interested in. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the project’s themes. Understand the nuances of extra-familial harms and think about how your background fits in. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but a passionate advocate for change!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community at Northumbria University.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Communities & Education - Newcastle upon Tyne in Bishopton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with the project on extra-familial harms. We want to see your passion for the role and how you can contribute to our interdisciplinary team.
Tailor Your CV: Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to showcase your expertise in Youth Work, Social Work, or any relevant discipline. Highlight your research experience and any creative methodologies you've used, as these are key for this role.
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since excellent communication is essential, make sure your application reflects this. Use clear, concise language and structure your documents well. We want to see that you can communicate effectively, both in writing and in person!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Northumbria University Newcastle
✨Know Your Project Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the project titled 'The Horror of Place-based Harms'. Familiarise yourself with its aims, methodologies, and the significance of exploring extra-familial harms. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills align with the project's goals.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working within a collaborative interdisciplinary team, be prepared to discuss your experiences in teamwork. Share specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others from different backgrounds or disciplines, highlighting your communication and organisational skills.
✨Prepare for Creative Methodologies
Given the emphasis on participatory workshops and creative research methodologies, think about how you can contribute creatively to the project. Bring ideas to the table during the interview about engaging young people and conducting interviews with community members, showcasing your innovative thinking.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about the team's dynamics, the types of workshops they envision, or how they measure the impact of their research. This demonstrates your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.