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- Tasks: Lead community-focused research on education and skills, driving innovative solutions.
- Company: Join Queen's Communities and Place, a pioneering research initiative in social sciences.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday, and support for your wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in communities while collaborating with global partners.
- Qualifications: PhD in social sciences and two years of relevant research experience required.
- Other info: This is a 46-month fixed-term role with potential for renewal.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Queen's Communities and Place (QCAP) is an AHSS Faculty flagship research initiative based in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work. It launched in November 2021, and supports the creation of research partnerships between world-leading academics and partner communities. QCAP focuses on a \”place-based\” approach, harnessing local expertise, insight, and academic expertise to create and test novel solutions to previously intractable problems. In addition to this, it provides the opportunity to work with other national and international partners, sharing knowledge and best practice and creating new, sustainable partnerships for the longer term.
QCAP is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to lead research activities across the Education Skills and Inclusive Innovation Dimension within the Queen's Communities and Place (QCAP) initiative, ensuring successful delivery of the QCAP research, evaluation, and knowledge exchange programme. This role will focus on developing and implementing community-centric research methodologies that contribute to an inclusive knowledge economy, urban innovation, and educational and skills equity.
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:
- An upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) or a Master's degree in a social science discipline.
- PhD in a relevant subject.
- At least two years' relevant research experience working on a project that relates to education, skills and the knowledge economy.
- Experience in quantitative and qualitative data analysis, particularly in the context of evaluating educational and social programmes.
- Experience of communicating research to lay audiences.
- Track record in securing and managing research funding.
- Publication record in education, skills and community research.
- Experience of providing expert advice on own subject specialism to a range of stakeholders.
- Good understanding of the key issues and challenges associated with engagement with communities for research studies.
- Experience and demonstrable record of applying community-based participatory action research.
To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.
This post is available for 46 months. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.
What we offer:
Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at
Skills:
Research PHD Social Sciences
Research Fellow - Engaged Research Lead employer: Queens University
Contact Detail:
Queens University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - Engaged Research Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the field of social sciences and community engagement. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or seminars where you can meet potential collaborators and learn about current trends in engaged research.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with community-based participatory action research methodologies. Being able to discuss these approaches confidently during interviews will demonstrate your expertise and commitment to inclusive research practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your experience in securing and managing research funding. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you successfully obtained funding and how you managed those resources effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Highlight your ability to communicate complex research findings to lay audiences. Consider preparing examples of how you've done this in the past, as effective communication is key in engaging with communities and stakeholders.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - Engaged Research Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the key responsibilities and essential criteria. Make sure you understand what the role of Research Fellow - Engaged Research Lead entails, especially in relation to community-centric research methodologies.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience that aligns with the essential criteria. Emphasise your research experience, particularly in education, skills, and community engagement, as well as any quantitative and qualitative data analysis skills.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that clearly demonstrates how you meet the essential and desirable criteria. Use specific examples from your past experiences to illustrate your qualifications and passion for the role.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for a research position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Queens University
✨Showcase Your Research Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous research projects in detail, especially those related to education and community engagement. Highlight your methodologies, findings, and how they contributed to the knowledge economy.
✨Communicate Clearly with Lay Audiences
Since the role involves communicating research to non-experts, practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your ability to engage diverse audiences.
✨Demonstrate Community Engagement Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with community-based participatory action research. Share specific instances where you successfully collaborated with communities and how you addressed their needs through your research.
✨Highlight Your Funding Successes
Be ready to talk about your track record in securing and managing research funding. Discuss any grants you've applied for, the outcomes, and how you managed the resources effectively to achieve project goals.