At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research to improve lives of children and families in need.
- Company: Join CELCIS, a leading innovation centre dedicated to child welfare in Scotland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for further funding.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career growth and influence on policy.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through high-quality research and collaboration.
- Qualifications: PhD in social sciences or equivalent research experience required.
The predicted salary is between 46735 - 57422 £ per year.
Salary Range: £46,735 - £57,422
Contract Type: Fixed Term (12 months)
FTE: 35 hours/week
End Date: 24/07/2026
Are you passionate about research to improve the lives of children and families who need the support of services? We are looking for an experienced, creative researcher with a track record of leading quantitative and qualitative research to join CELCIS as a Research Fellow.
As a leading improvement and innovation centre in Scotland, at CELCIS we work to improve the lives of children and young people in need of care and protection, and their families and carers. We do this by supporting the people and organisations responsible for their care to make changes in services and in the practices and skills they use, all based on the needs, experiences and rights of children and young people.
This exciting role is linked to a range of research agendas, including those to meet the aspirations of The Promise of the Independent Care Review, public sector reform in Scotland, and the Getting It Right For Every Child (GIRFEC) approach.
The focus of the role is on supporting the strategic objectives of the organisation and its sustainability through further developing and supporting our research agenda, to improve lifelong outcomes for children, young people, their families and carers across Scotland. This will include income generation via research-related funding, supporting and developing other researchers, participating in and developing networks to foster research collaborations, and working with relevant stakeholders, including Scottish Government, to inform the development of research objectives linked to policy and practice.
Our Research Fellow will need to take a flexible and responsive approach within a fast-paced environment where needs can change and develop rapidly. You will also have a strong understanding of what it takes to influence policy and practice through high-quality research.
Do you have a track record of working with partners across the higher education, public and voluntary sector? Are you able to communicate complex ideas to a variety of audiences and to write and review a range of research outputs using different formats and channels to make an impact? If so, this could be the role for you.
This role would suit candidates who have a PhD in a relevant social science discipline or equivalent research experience in a professional context and who are able to lead programmes of research. Experience of working as a principal investigator within quantitative and qualitative research projects, successfully applying for and managing research funding, and participating in and developing networks to foster research collaborations are essential for this role.
Change is happening. Be part of it. Together we can make things better for children, young people and their families and carers. Apply now.
Funding for the post: Like for all colleagues in the team, this post is initially funded for 12 months, with the potential for further funding. CELCIS has received funding in this way from the Scottish Government since 2010.
Informal enquiries about the post can be directed to Heather Ottaway, Head of Evidence & Innovation.
Research Fellow in Central employer: University of Strathclyde
The University of Strathclyde offers an inspiring work environment at the National Manufacturing Institute Scotland, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our mission. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, a supportive culture that values diverse perspectives, and the chance to make a significant impact on the future of manufacturing in Scotland. Join us to be part of a pioneering team dedicated to driving meaningful change in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow in Central
✨Get Involved in Research Communities
Dive headfirst into the scientific research world by joining relevant communities and forums. Engage in discussions, share your insights, and even attend conferences or seminars in your field. This not only boosts your visibility but can also lead to potential job opportunities—don't forget to connect with like-minded folks!
✨Show Off Your Research Projects
Have you worked on any cool research projects? Make it easy for potential employers to see your work by creating a portfolio or a personal website. This way, when you apply for roles like the one at University of Strathclyde, you can point them to your projects and publications, showcasing your expertise directly.
✨Utilise Professional Networks
Networking is key in scientific research. Join professional bodies or organisations related to your field. They often have job boards and resources tailored for job seekers. Make connections with professionals who may know about openings or can give you tips on landing a full-time position.
✨Keep Your Eyes on Openings & Apply Directly
Don’t just rely on job boards! Keep an eye on the careers section of the websites of companies like University of Strathclyde. Apply directly through their website because sometimes they post jobs there before anywhere else. Plus, it shows your proactive approach!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Central
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Research Experience:When applying for a full-time role in scientific research, make sure to emphasise your research experience prominently in your CV. Share specific projects you’ve worked on, the methodologies you used, and any significant findings. If you’ve published papers or presented at conferences, definitely include that too – it shows you’re on it in the academic world!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Research Area:Your cover letter should reflect your passion for the specific area of research at University of Strathclyde. Mention relevant experiences that align with the organisation’s goals or projects. This shows that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the position – plus, it helps us see how you’d fit into the team dynamics.
Showcase Your Data Analysis Skills:In scientific research, data analysis skills are a big deal! Make sure to detail any relevant analytical tools or software you’re familiar with, like R, Python, or statistical packages. Employers are keen to know you can handle the data-heavy elements of the role, so add specific examples where you’ve used these skills effectively.
Discuss Your Future Research Goals:In your motivation section, it’s a great idea to talk about your future research goals and how they align with the work being done at University of Strathclyde. This shows that you’re not just looking for any job, but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to the field. We love to see applicants who are forward-thinking and enthusiastic about their research journey!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Strathclyde
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
In scientific research, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to design and conduct experiments. Come armed with examples of past projects where you've developed hypotheses, collected data, and analysed results. Be ready to discuss any specific methodologies or tools you’ve used, like PCR techniques or statistical software.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect some technical questions specific to your field. Make sure you're up to speed with recent advancements in scientific research related to the role at University of Strathclyde. Brush up on concepts relevant to their projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach a specific research problem or challenge they might face.
✨Know Your Publications
If you've authored or co-authored any papers, be prepared to discuss them! Highlighting your contributions to published research can really set you apart. It shows not only your expertise but also your ability to communicate complex ideas clearly, which is key in scientific research roles.
✨Exhibit Your Team Spirit
In full-time roles, collaboration is often at the heart of scientific research. Prepare examples that show how you've successfully worked in teams, dealt with conflicts, or contributed to group projects. We want to know how you can work effectively with the team at University of Strathclyde to drive research projects forward.
