At a Glance
- Tasks: Support groundbreaking research on Inclusion in education and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: University of Birmingham, a leader in educational research and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a vibrant academic community.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD or near completion in a relevant field and strong analytical skills.
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
- Co-ordinate 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
Use of AI in applications:
We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.
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 Education - 107452 - Grade 7 employer: University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and inclusive work culture that prioritises diversity and equality. As a Research Fellow in the School of Education, you will have access to extensive professional development opportunities, collaborate on impactful research projects, and contribute to the Birmingham Inclusion Academy, all within a supportive environment that values innovation and knowledge exchange.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - School of Education - 107452 - Grade 7
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees at the University of Birmingham, especially in the School of Education. A friendly chat can give us insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching the latest trends in inclusion and education. We want to show that we’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about making a difference in the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get a friend to do a mock interview with us. This will help us articulate our thoughts clearly and boost our confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure our application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows we’re serious about joining the team!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - School of Education - 107452 - Grade 7
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see why you're excited about research in education and how you can contribute to our mission at StudySmarter.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the specific role. Highlight relevant experience and skills that match the job description. We love seeing how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your written application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate when candidates communicate complex ideas simply and effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Birmingham
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specific research projects mentioned in the job description, like ScopesEND and RESIDE. Familiarise yourself with their objectives and outcomes, as 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. Bring examples of how you've applied these skills in previous research, and be ready to explain your approach to data collection and analysis.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice explaining complex information in a straightforward manner. You might be asked to present your research or findings, so being able to communicate effectively is key. Consider doing mock interviews with friends to refine your delivery.
✨Emphasise Inclusivity
Since the role focuses on inclusion, be prepared to discuss how you promote equality and diversity in your work. Share specific examples of how you've fostered an inclusive environment in past roles or projects.
