At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a groundbreaking research project tackling technology-facilitated gender-based violence.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a leader in social policy and research.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic team atmosphere with opportunities for collaboration and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in society while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in a relevant field, strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36636 - 46049 £ per year.
Position Details
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 September 2029
Closing date: 19th August 2026
Background
To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme. The TRACE project is a Horizon Europe–funded research programme examining technology-facilitated gender-based violence (TFGBV) across the conflict–transit–refuge continuum. The project brings together an international consortium of researchers and stakeholders to generate robust, comparative evidence and inform policy and practice. TRACE aims to build the first cross-context evidence base on TFGBV across diverse geographical and socio-political settings, develop a shared typology and methodological framework to support consistent analysis and comparison, produce evidence-based guidance to strengthen policy, prevention strategies, and accountability mechanisms.
Role Summary
- Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids
- Operate within area of specialism of Gender-Based Violence
- Analyse and interpret research findings and results
- Publish scholarly outputs in conjunction with team members
- Contribute to generating funding
Main Duties
- Deliver assigned tasks, milestones, and outputs in line with the TRACE Grant Agreement, ensuring timely and high-quality contribution to project deliverables
- Actively collaborate with researchers across other work packages to support shared methods, synthesis, and comparative analysis
- Participate in TRACE governance and coordination structures, including consortium meetings, work package meetings, and relevant thematic groups
- Contribute to the Research Fellow Coordination Network and other cross-consortium forums as appropriate
- Provide timely updates on progress, risks, and dependencies to the Work Package Lead and project management team
- Support stakeholder engagement activities
- Assist work package leads with ensuring full compliance with TRACE requirements on ethics, safeguarding, and data protection, embedding these as core elements of research delivery
- Analyse and interpret data
- Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
- Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc.
- Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
- Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
- Undertake management/administration arising from research
- Manage the Survivor Advisory Boards
- Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
- Contribute to public and policy engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
- Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as literature reviews, and gender and trauma-sensitive research interviews
- 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
- Foster a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
- Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures
Person Specification
- A PhD relevant to the research area (or near completion), or equivalent PhD level qualifications.
- High level analytical capability
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly
- Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
- Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
- Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
- Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
- Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
- Experience of gender and trauma sensitive interviewing
- Proficiency in Arabic or another relevant language spoken by forced migrant communities, sufficient to conduct research interviews without an interpreter.
- Knowledge of the protected characteristics and duties under the Equality Act 2010.
Informal enquiries to Jenny Phillimore, email: j.a.phillimore@bham.ac.uk
We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy.
Research Fellow - School of Social Policy and Society - 107807 - Grade 7 in Birmingham employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters creativity and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, staff have access to numerous growth opportunities and professional training, all while enjoying the benefits of a flexible working arrangement. Located in a vibrant city, the university promotes a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - School of Social Policy and Society - 107807 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
✨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 Birmingham.
✨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 Birmingham!
✨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 Birmingham, 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 Birmingham 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 Fellow - School of Social Policy and Society - 107807 - Grade 7 in Birmingham
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 Birmingham:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to University of Birmingham! 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 Birmingham
✨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.
