At a Glance
- Tasks: Analyse data and write for academic journals on self-employment in South Africa's townships.
- Company: University of Bath, known for its diverse and inclusive research culture.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension schemes, professional development, and local discounts.
- Other info: Full-time role until September 2027 with opportunities for travel and conferences.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative project with international partners and make an impact in development studies.
- Qualifications: Post-doctoral social scientist with strong research and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 32963 - 40289 £ per year.
Department: Social & Policy Sciences
Salary: Starting from £38,784, rising to £46,049
An opportunity to join an ongoing UKRI grant funded research project investigating opportunities and constraints to self-employment in South Africa's townships. The title of the research is “Economic prospects, trust and governance in South African townships”. The main focus will be on data analysis and writing for high quality academic journals, primary data collection under the project having mostly been completed. This makes the post ideal for an early career researcher.
This is a collaborative project with staff at Fort Hare University in South Africa and LeHigh University in the USA. There will be opportunities to attend conferences and to visit South Africa for dissemination purposes.
As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of ten days professional development pro rata per year. You will benefit from and be expected to contribute to the lively research interdisciplinary culture of the Department of Social and Policy Sciences, including the Centre for Development Studies.
We are looking for a postholder who:
- is a highly motivated and academically outstanding post-doctoral social scientist seeking an opportunity to develop their academic career in the broad field of international development studies
- has demonstrable skills in producing and presenting high quality academic research publications, in development studies or related journals
- has a strong interest in development issues in South/Southern Africa, particularly with reference to urban employment issues
- has an interest in using innovative apps and genAI to analyse and synthesize primary and secondary data
- has excellent interpersonal including cross-cultural communication skills, and enthusiasm for both working independently and collaboratively.
This is a full time, fixed term role expected to end in September 2027.
We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equity and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.
We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:
- Generous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balance
- Generous employer contributory pension schemes
- Cycle to work scheme
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Staff discount at Team Bath gym
- Staff benefits include discounted postgraduate tuition and language courses, alongside a wide range of personal and professional development opportunities such as apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning, and more
- Local discounts, including free entry to the Holburne Museum in Bath
- An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforce
- Employee assistance services through Health Assured, including access to the Wisdom app
We’re committed to creating a health-supporting working environment where everyone can thrive and be at their best. We offer a range of resources to enable you to do that from your first day here, including:
- Staff support groups and networks
- A network of Staff Wellbeing Champions
- A suite of tools, resources and frameworks that enable you to be at your best and thrive
Right to Work in the UK: We do not assess immigration or right to work status until offer stage. Being invited to interview does not guarantee you are eligible for visa sponsorship and all offers are conditional on meeting right to work requirements. Further information is available on our application support webpage.
Research Associate (Development Studies) in Bath employer: University of Bath
The University of Bath is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees benefit from comprehensive training opportunities and a supportive culture that values work-life balance. Located in a vibrant city, the university provides a fulfilling career path for those looking to make a meaningful impact in higher education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Associate (Development Studies) in Bath
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at University of Bath.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from University of Bath!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like University of Bath, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at University of Bath or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Associate (Development Studies) in Bath
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to University of Bath:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to University of Bath! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Bath
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
