At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative research projects and mentor colleagues in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Join a renowned School of Arts with a strong research track record.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in international research initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in contemporary fine art and shape future research.
- Qualifications: PhD or equivalent experience, with strong research and supervision skills.
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. At the last REF in 2021 we submitted 7.8 FTE for Art and Design, 78% of which were 3* and 4* outputs, of which 34% were 4%. For REF 2029 we are expecting an FTE of 14 plus and are growing both the range and scope of our research.
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 employer: University of Gloucestershire
The University offers a vibrant and inclusive work environment, fostering collaboration and innovation in the arts. With a strong commitment to research excellence and community engagement, employees benefit from opportunities for professional growth, mentorship, and involvement in impactful projects. Located in Cheltenham, the University is dedicated to supporting a diverse workforce and promoting a healthy academic culture, making it an exceptional employer for those passionate about fine art and education.
Contact Details:
University of Gloucestershire Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Research Fellow - Internal Only
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the academic world, especially those who might have insights into the role or the institution. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by diving deep into the school’s research outputs and current projects. Show us you’re not just interested in the role but also passionate about contributing to our community and enhancing our research reputation.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After your interview, drop us a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in our minds as we make our decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of all the amazing candidates like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Research Fellow - Internal Only
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 passion for research and teaching shine through!
Showcase Your Research Experience:Since this role is heavily research-driven, don’t hold back on showcasing your previous projects and publications. We’re looking for someone who can lead new research initiatives, so let us know what you’ve done and what you plan to do!
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’s easy to read and gets straight to the point.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the advert early if we find a suitable candidate, so get your application in as soon as you can. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 successful collaborations you've led.
✨Understand the REF Landscape
Brush up on the details of the REF process, especially the changes expected for 2029. Being able to discuss these changes and their implications will show that you’re proactive and knowledgeable about the academic environment.
✨Communicate Warmly and Collaboratively
Demonstrate your ability to communicate effectively and non-hierarchically. Prepare to discuss how you foster collaboration and build confidence in research among peers, as this is key to the school’s culture.
