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 experience in research leadership required.
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 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.
