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- Tasks: Lead innovative research projects and mentor fellow researchers in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join a renowned School of Arts Culture and Environment with a strong research track record.
- Benefits: Flexible working, opportunities for publishing, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career growth and a focus on international collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fine arts community while shaping future researchers.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience, strong research background, and PhD supervision experience.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
This is a fixed term post until June 2028. The role is research driven and therefore largely flexible, but the successful candidate will be expected to feed into timetabled teaching on BA and MA fine art as well as REF planning meetings and PhD supervision.
About the school: The School of Arts Culture and Environment has a strong track record for research in Art and Design, producing international outputs across a diverse range of subjects and interests, from graphic novels to documentary film, curation, painting and sculpture. We work closely with communities in Cheltenham, Gloucester and the region to foster collaboration and grow confidence in the visual arts as a key component of a healthy society. We have a growing reputation for international research and world leading researchers in Fine Art and Illustration.
About the role: This role is to bring an established researcher into the school team and develop new research projects for our REF submission in 2029. We are looking for a candidate who can offer the following:
- Lead new research projects including external funding bids
- Join us with strong research projects already in train
- Have supervision experience and ideally PhD completions
- Be an experienced leader and mentor to other research active staff
- Be knowledgeable about the REF and aware of some of the more detailed changes and implications of REF 2029
Where there is a historic research relationship between the successful candidate and current staff researchers, this will also be factored into potential research development and future collaboration. The role requires a collaborative approach, a shrewd understanding of the positive relationship between research, research degree supervision and course teaching, and a collegiate attitude to building confidence in research and sharing good practice. It will involve mentoring colleagues in both research and PhD supervision and will also entail advance planning, meeting attendance for REF strategy building and both leading and participating in external bid writing.
The successful candidate will be an individual who is rigorous in their research, but also a warm and non-hierarchical communicator with students, who sees practice research as a significant part of a healthy academic culture and demonstrates a deep knowledge and love for contemporary fine art.
Job expectations: The candidate will be expected to have international research and be an experienced practice-based researcher who has in addition strong writing and editorial skills and a track record of publishing for catalogues and art journals. Experience of peer reviewing for established academic journals would be ideal but is not mandatory. The candidate will be expected to have a PhD or equivalent experience and have PhD supervision experience. PhD completions would be desirable but not mandatory. Be able to bring in publishing and exhibiting opportunities for research peers and mentor colleagues in the process of ensuring practice outputs meet the minimum 3* standard required for our REF submission.
How to apply: To apply please click on APPLY at the bottom of this page, you will be asked to submit a CV along with a Supporting Statement that addresses how you meet the essential criteria or complete the attached application form. CVs alone will not be considered.
For informal conversations about the role please contact Andrew Bick (Prof) abick@glos.ac.uk
Key dates: Interview: 15 April 2026. To avoid disappointment please apply early, should we find a suitable candidate we will close the advert.
Commitment to diversity: The University is committed to building a diverse and inclusive staff community and welcomes applications from currently under-represented sections of our workforce. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Leader, guaranteeing an interview to everyone who meets the definition of disability set out in the Equality Act 2010 and the essential criteria contained within the person specification.
Senior Research Fellow - Internal Only in Cheltenham employer: University of Gloucestershire
Contact Detail:
University of Gloucestershire Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Fellow - Internal Only in Cheltenham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current staff or alumni from the School of Arts Culture and Environment. A friendly chat can give you insider info about the role and help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your research chops! Prepare to discuss your ongoing projects and how they align with the school's goals. We want to see your passion for fine art and how you can contribute to our REF ambitions.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to collaborate! This role is all about teamwork, so think of examples where you've successfully worked with others. Highlight your mentoring experience and how you can uplift fellow researchers.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Don’t forget to tailor your Supporting Statement to show how you meet the essential criteria.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Fellow - Internal Only in Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the role. Highlight how your experience aligns with the essential criteria mentioned in the job description. We want to see your unique contributions and how you can fit into our vibrant team!
Showcase Your Research Experience: Since this role is research-driven, don’t hold back on showcasing your research projects. Share specific examples of your past work, especially those that demonstrate your ability to lead new projects and secure funding. We love seeing your passion for research!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your CV and supporting statement, clarity is key! Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We encourage you to apply early to avoid disappointment, as we may close the advert if we find a suitable candidate. Head over to our website and get your application in!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Gloucestershire
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your own research projects and how they align with the school’s focus. Be ready to discuss your past work, future plans, and how you can contribute to the REF submission in 2029.
✨Showcase Your Mentoring Skills
Since the role involves mentoring colleagues and PhD supervision, prepare examples of how you've successfully guided others in their research journeys. Highlight any PhD completions or significant mentoring experiences you’ve had.
✨Understand the REF Landscape
Brush up on the latest changes and implications of REF 2029. Being knowledgeable about the REF process will show that you’re proactive and serious about contributing to the school’s research goals.
✨Emphasise Collaboration and Communication
This role requires a collaborative approach, so be prepared to discuss how you’ve worked with others in the past. Share examples of how you fostered a positive research environment and communicated effectively with students and peers.