At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research on disability and political parties, using innovative methods and collaborating with leading scholars.
- Company: University of Strathclyde, a top-rated technological university in vibrant Glasgow.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and contribute to world-leading research in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on political representation for disabled people while advancing your research career.
- Qualifications: PhD in relevant field, familiarity with Danish or Spanish political systems, and strong research skills.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
The Department of Government and Public Policy invites applications from emerging scholars for a Postdoctoral Research Associate to support and contribute to the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Responsive Mode project Disability and Political Parties (DISPOP). DISPOP is a collaborative project led by Professor Elizabeth Evans (University of Southampton) and Professor Stefanie Reher (University of Strathclyde).
Despite reporting high levels of interest in electoral politics, disabled people are under-represented in legislatures around the world. To understand why these patterns occur, what barriers exist, and how to redress these inequalities, we need to study the relationship between disability and political parties - the key institution linking citizens and electoral politics. Political parties are important vehicles for mobilising and organising groups of citizens with an interest in politics; yet there are no studies focused on how disabled people experience and perceive political parties, nor whether, when, and how parties think about disability, accessibility and inclusion.
DISPOP aims to:
- Identify, analyse, and compare barriers experienced by disabled people
- Map and evaluate existing party initiatives and best practices
- Explore to what extent formal rules and informal norms render parties ableist institutions
- Co-produce recommendations with Disabled People’s Organisations to make politics more accessible
The University of Strathclyde is a leading, multi award winning technological university in the heart of Glasgow, one of the UK’s most exciting and dynamic student cities. Rated by the Daily Mail as the University of the Year for 2026, research is of central importance in everything we do. It informs our teaching and helps us to make a difference to business, industry and society as a whole. Almost 90% of research produced by the University of Strathclyde has been rated ‘world-leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ in the UK Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021.
The Department of Government and Public Policy combines world-class teaching and research that explore political systems and institutions throughout the world. The Department has particular strength in the study of political representation of under-represented groups and quantitative research methods. The foundation of our work is a vigorous research culture. Our Research Excellence Framework 2021 submission was the highest-rated in the UK, with 62% of research rated world-leading and 100% of our impact rated outstanding.
The post holder will take a prominent role in developing the conceptual and methodological innovations to study disability and political parties across four cases: Denmark, Germany, Spain and the UK. The role will require using quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, including survey design and survey data analysis, survey experiments, interviews, and ethnographic methods. The post holder will take a role in all stages of the research process, from conceptualisation to data collection and analysis, as well as writing up and presenting the findings, including attending international and domestic conferences and co-authoring publications. There is scope for the post holder to bring their own skills and interests to the study design.
The post holder will work under the supervision of Professor Stefanie Reher and in close collaboration with Professor Elizabeth Evans and a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Southampton. The post holder will be the main point of contact for either the Danish or the Spanish case. Therefore, it is a strong advantage for applicants to be familiar with the political party system in either Denmark or Spain, and have good writing and conversation skills in either Danish or Spanish, in addition to having a keen interest in the role of disability in politics.
Initial interviews have been scheduled for late September or early October. For informal enquiries, please contact Professor Stefanie Reher at stefanie.reher@strath.ac.uk.
Post-doctoral Research Associate DISPOP in Glasgow 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 Post-doctoral Research Associate DISPOP in Glasgow
✨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 Strathclyde.
✨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 Strathclyde!
✨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 Strathclyde, 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 Strathclyde 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 Post-doctoral Research Associate DISPOP in Glasgow
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 Strathclyde:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to University of Strathclyde! 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 Strathclyde
✨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.
