At a Glance
- Tasks: Support research on youth crime prevention using innovative methods and technology.
- Company: Join Northumbria University, a leading research institution with a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, generous holiday entitlement, and excellent pension schemes.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with opportunities for collaboration and real-world impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on society by shaping the future of youth crime prevention.
- Qualifications: PhD in social sciences or related field with expertise in youth crime and safeguarding.
Working as part of multi-disciplinary teams, you will support the Principal Investigator in delivery of research activity on the European Commission-funded project ‘IMAGINE’: Integrating Methods, Awareness & Gamified Interventions for Next-Gen Prevention of Youth Crime. IMAGINE will attempt at shifting Europe’s approach to preventing and countering youth crime from reactive responses to proactive, evidence-based and rights-compliant action. It will fuse social sciences and technology within a co-creative methodology involving LEAs, CSOs, schools and youth services. It will design and validate an AI-enabled Gamification & Digital Storytelling (GDS) toolsuite, integrating purpose-built serious games and interactive learning experiences, that safely mirrors real-world recruitment, social grooming and escalation across online and offline settings.
This is a fixed term post from September 2026 until August 2029.
This Research Project is being delivered within the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Northumbria University is a vibrant, interdisciplinary community committed to understanding society and shaping its future. Bringing together disciplines including history, English, criminology, sociology, politics, international relations and media, the School combines research excellence with innovative, student-centred education. Our research-led teaching is informed by work addressing contemporary global challenges, from criminal justice reform and global development to culture, identity, gender and social change. Staff are active researchers whose expertise directly enriches the student experience. The School is recognised for its strong external partnerships with organisations across the public, private and cultural sectors, creating opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and real-world impact. Students benefit from placements, volunteering, internships and international opportunities that enhance their learning and employability. We are a diverse, inclusive and supportive academic community where colleagues are encouraged to pursue impactful research, deliver an outstanding student experience and contribute to meaningful societal change.
Applicants should hold a PhD in social sciences, criminology, sociology, psychology, or related discipline, and have demonstrable specialist expert knowledge in youth crime (prevention), safeguarding, youth vulnerability, criminal recruitment, or related social issues online and offline.
Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification. To apply for this vacancy please click 'Apply Now'. Your application should include a covering letter and a CV.
We welcome applications from the UK and across the world. Visit our web pages for details about Relocation Assistance.
Join Northumbria University, a research-intensive institution unlocking potential and changing lives locally and globally. Named Times Higher Education's University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in 2025, we rank top 25 in the UK for research power. Discover more about us. With over 37,000 students from 140+ countries, we offer world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and an outstanding student experience. We empower our exceptional staff, promoting a positive work-life balance and offering great benefits, including excellent pension schemes, flexible working, generous holiday entitlement and more.
Our Northumbria Values, co-created by our team, define who we are: Academic Excellence, Innovation, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Ambition. Our Behaviours shape our work culture: We listen and learn, support one another, respect everyone, trust each other, and are bold.
Based in Newcastle upon Tyne and London, we are an on-campus organisation and offer flexible hours and location where the role allows. We pride ourselves on diversity and inclusivity, holding numerous awards for gender and race equality, disability confidence, and research excellence. We also hold the HR Excellence in Research award for implementing the concordat supporting the career Development of Researchers and are members of the Euraxess initiative to deliver information and support to professional researchers. The University has implemented a range of flexible working arrangements, and we are happy to explore candidate requirements as part of the recruitment process.
Apply now and join a community committed to transforming society and the economy.
Research Fellow employer: University of Northumbria
Universities for North East England (UNEE) offers a dynamic and supportive environment for recent graduates looking to kickstart their careers in policy and research. With a strong emphasis on collaboration across five prestigious universities, employees benefit from excellent professional development opportunities, a positive work-life balance, and a commitment to inclusivity and diversity. Located in the vibrant region of North East England, UNEE champions the local economy and provides a unique platform for meaningful contributions to higher education and public policy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow
✨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 Northumbria.
✨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 Northumbria!
✨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 Northumbria, 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 Northumbria 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
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 Northumbria:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to University of Northumbria! 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 Northumbria
✨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.
