At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead impactful research to improve lives of children and families in need.
- Company: Join CELCIS, a leading innovation centre in Scotland focused on child welfare.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for further funding and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's lives through meaningful 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 Paisley 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 Paisley
✨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
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We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow in Paisley
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.
