At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research on Inclusion, manage data collection, and contribute to impactful projects.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a leading institution focused on education and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career progression.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to fostering an inclusive educational environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while working with top researchers in the field.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in a relevant area, strong analytical skills, and effective communication.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 46049 £ per year.
Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822
Grade: 7
Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to June 2028
Closing date: 8th June 2026
Background
Working directly with the 125th Anniversary Chair – Professor of Inclusion (Susana Castro-Kemp), the post-holder will support the development and implementation of a programme of research and knowledge exchange on Inclusion within the School of Education (DISN) and in collaboration with other departments and colleges as needed.
Role Summary
- Supporting the research carried out by the 125th Anniversary Chair, including activities related to funded research projects where the Anniversary Chair plays a key role (e.g. ScopesEND funded by Nuffield Foundation, RESIDE funded NIHR and What Works in SEND funded by DfE); these include contribution to systematic evidence reviews and programme evaluations, development of accessible resources and professional development for school staff, parents and young people with SEND, management of surveys and both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis.
- Activities leading to new funding awards (by, for example, Nuffield Foundation, ERC and DfE), as planned by the Anniversary Chair.
- Smaller unfunded pieces of work leading to co-authored outputs.
- Support with the plans for implementing and growing the Birmingham Inclusion Academy, in line with the School of Education strategy and under the supervision of the Anniversary Chair.
- Support with dissemination activities and knowledge exchange with partners of the School of Education (including schools, local authorities, third sector and Government).
Main Duties
- Manage elements of ongoing research (funded and unfunded) led by the Anniversary Chair and her team; these may include data collection through a variety of methods, data analysis (qualitative and quantitative) and knowledge exchange initiatives with partners of the School of Education across policy, education practice, general public and third sector.
- Proactively prepare and co-author outputs as needed (scientific as well as practice and policy-oriented papers; presentations; blog posts).
- Manage and organise dissemination, impact and co-production events, as needed in line with the School of Education strategy for the Birmingham Inclusion Academy and in support of the Anniversary Chair’s research programme.
- Contribute to writing bids for research funding.
- Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline.
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration.
- Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters.
- Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
- Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
- Promote equality and value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture, in research, knowledge exchange and when working with others.
Person Specification
- A PhD relevant to the research area (or near completion), or equivalent PhD-level qualifications.
- High level analytical capability in both qualitative and quantitative methodologies.
- Ability to quickly acquire new knowledge regarding new methodologies and/or software.
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly and efficiently.
- Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones.
- Ability to understand and contribute to broader management/administration processes within the department and beyond.
- Flexibility in adapting the workload to potentially prioritise new awards/initiatives as needed.
- Coordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.
Informal enquiries to Susana Castro-Kemp, email:
Research Fellow - School of Education - 107452 - Grade 7 in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusivity and professional development. As a Research Fellow in the School of Education, you will have the opportunity to engage in impactful research while collaborating with esteemed academics and contributing to significant projects aimed at enhancing educational practices for individuals with special educational needs and disabilities. With access to extensive resources and a supportive environment, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers within a prestigious institution located in the heart of Birmingham.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - School of Education - 107452 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the education sector, especially those connected to inclusion research. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio or a personal website where you can display your research projects, publications, and any relevant work. This gives potential employers a clear view of what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to research and inclusion. Think about how your experience aligns with the role and be ready to discuss specific examples that highlight your analytical capabilities.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our platform.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - School of Education - 107452 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Research Fellow. We want to see how you can contribute to the exciting research on Inclusion at the School of Education!
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this role involves managing research projects, be sure to emphasise your analytical capabilities and experience with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. We love seeing candidates who can clearly communicate complex information!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. Avoid jargon unless it's necessary!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the current research trends related to inclusion and education. Familiarise yourself with the projects led by the 125th Anniversary Chair, especially those funded by the Nuffield Foundation and DfE. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with both qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Be ready to provide examples of how you've managed data collection and analysis in previous roles. This is crucial for demonstrating your capability to handle the research tasks outlined in the job description.
✨Engage with the Community
Highlight any previous experience you have with knowledge exchange initiatives or community engagement. Discuss how you can contribute to the Birmingham Inclusion Academy and your ideas for fostering partnerships with schools and local authorities.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could be about the future direction of the research programme or how the role fits into the broader strategy of the School of Education. It shows that you’re not just interested in the position but also in contributing to the institution's goals.
