At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research to promote active travel to school and analyse travel behaviours.
- Company: University of Surrey and Surrey County Council, committed to sustainable travel.
- Benefits: Full-time role until March 2027 with opportunities for impactful research.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with potential for national recognition of your work.
- Why this job: Make a difference in school travel and contribute to community health initiatives.
- Qualifications: MSc/PhD in relevant field and experience in applied research.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
We are looking for a full-time researcher for a fixed term contract running until 31st March 2027. This post is for an embedded researcher who will be based at the University of Surrey (Environmental Psychology Research Group) and will work with, and for, the Surrey County Council (SCC) Safer Travel Team and the Surrey HDRC2 Team (Health Determinants Research Collaboration).
The post’s focus will centre on a programme of work consisting of separate projects that together share the aim of increasing Active Travel To School (ATTS1) amongst Surrey’s schools. The programme of work will commence with supporting Phase Two of the “Understanding Effectiveness & Encouraging Excellence in School Travel Planning” project, following the successful completion of Phase One. The programme of work will continue with the completion of a four-year longitudinal study that identifies school travel behaviours and their underlying motivations – the “SCC Annual School Travel Survey”. Other work includes further piloting of the STEP Tool (School Travel Effectiveness of Planning) developed in Phase One, the dissemination of findings from the SCC Annual School Travel Survey, and an exploratory audit of data collection across Surrey’s schools that employ “Hands Up Surveys” as a means of measuring changes in school travel.
About You
You must have a degree (MSc/PhD) and experience/interest in research focusing on understanding and changing behaviour. Experience in working in an applied research setting is highly desirable. Good communication and organisation skills are key, alongside adaptable project management skills. Skills and experience of working with quantitative survey data is important, and knowledge of qualitative methods an advantage.
You will be working with the SCC teams at Surrey to support the analysis of existing data, to develop and project manage additional research, to analyse new data, and to report and present findings to a wide audience. This work has already been presented at a national convention in 2025 and the ambition is to further disseminate findings via future conference and publication activity. You will be based at the EPRG at Surrey but will work closely with SCC teams. You will be working on the various project activities for a period running to 31st March 2027 (full time). Aligned with the programme of work and wider Local Government Reorganisation, the post will not continue beyond March 2027.
For further information please contact Birgitta Gatersleben: b.gatersleben@surrey.ac.uk
Links:
Research Fellow - Active Travel to School - Surrey County Council and University of Surrey in Guildford employer: University of Surrey
Joining the University of Surrey and Surrey County Council as a Research Fellow offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects aimed at promoting active travel among schoolchildren. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, professional development, and a supportive work culture, employees are encouraged to grow their skills in an innovative research environment. The role not only provides a chance to impact local communities positively but also allows for engagement with cutting-edge research methodologies in a vibrant academic setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Fellow - Active Travel to School - Surrey County Council and University of Surrey in Guildford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field of active travel and environmental psychology. Attend relevant events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have a lead on your dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio or a presentation that highlights your research experience and any projects you've worked on. This can really set you apart during interviews and give you a chance to showcase your passion for active travel.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors. Focus on articulating your research interests and how they align with the goals of the Surrey County Council and University of Surrey. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Don’t miss out on the chance to join us in making a difference in school travel behaviours across Surrey!
We think you need these skills to ace Research Fellow - Active Travel to School - Surrey County Council and University of Surrey in Guildford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Fellow position. Highlight your relevant experience in research, especially in understanding and changing behaviour, as this is key for us at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your communication and organisation skills! We want to see how you can manage projects effectively and work with both quantitative and qualitative data, so give us examples of your past experiences.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured applications that make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role. Avoid jargon and focus on what makes you stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:Remember to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Surrey
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the specifics of the Active Travel to School project. Familiarise yourself with previous phases and outcomes, especially the 'Understanding Effectiveness & Encouraging Excellence in School Travel Planning' project. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Highlight your experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methods. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you've successfully analysed data or managed research initiatives. This is your chance to demonstrate how your skills align with the needs of the Surrey County Council and University of Surrey.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since good communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Prepare to explain complex research findings in a way that’s accessible to a wider audience. You might even want to bring examples of past presentations or reports to showcase your ability.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the projects you'll be involved in, such as the SCC Annual School Travel Survey or the STEP Tool. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your critical thinking skills. It’s a great way to engage with the interviewers and demonstrate your proactive approach.
