At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead qualitative research on Contextual Safeguarding in education, engaging with students and stakeholders.
- Company: Join a dynamic team under the Divide research project, focusing on youth safety and education.
- Benefits: Flexible working arrangements to support personal commitments, including travel opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on young people's lives while exploring innovative research methods.
- Qualifications: Strong creative skills, confidence in discussing sensitive topics, and knowledge of UK child safeguarding practices.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term role for 24 months, starting September 2025.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 48000 £ per year.
Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Research Associate in Contextual Safeguarding with a particular emphasis on researching the implications of Contextual Safeguarding to education. This is part of the Divide research project, led by Jenny Lloyd. Crossing the Divide will explore how schools balance the need to address violence and harm between young people against the reality that exclusionary approaches disproportionately impact minoritised young people. The project uses embedded research methods in schools, focus groups, interviews, and surveys with students, parents, and education stakeholders.
The successful applicant will be expected to lead and develop qualitative research activities, data analysis, and project support. The applicant will have responsibility for leading research activities with students, parents, and education stakeholders. The post holder will need strong skills in working creatively with students and young people, confidence to discuss sensitive topics including harm and structural violence, and knowledge of child safeguarding practice in the UK is an advantage. They will also need skills in utilizing creative methods for research and know how to analyze and write-up data collected through these approaches for outputs suitable for academic and practice audiences.
The role will involve traveling to collect data in person nationally. While this will involve independent overnight travel, the project has flexibility to support someone with caring commitments.
This post is fixed term for 24 months due to funding available from 1st September 2025 – 31st August 2027 for this fixed period only.
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Postdoctoral Research Associate in Contextual Safeguarding employer: Westfield State University
Contact Detail:
Westfield State University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Postdoctoral Research Associate in Contextual Safeguarding
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the principles of Contextual Safeguarding and its implications in educational settings. Understanding the nuances of how schools can address violence while supporting minoritised young people will give you a solid foundation to discuss during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of education and safeguarding. Attend relevant conferences or workshops where you can meet researchers and practitioners. This can provide insights into current challenges and innovations, which you can reference in your discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your qualitative research skills by thinking of examples from your past work. Be ready to discuss how you've creatively engaged with students and stakeholders, as well as how you've handled sensitive topics in your research.
✨Tip Number 4
Demonstrate your understanding of child safeguarding practices in the UK. Being knowledgeable about current policies and frameworks will not only show your commitment to the role but also your readiness to engage with the complexities of safeguarding in educational contexts.
We think you need these skills to ace Postdoctoral Research Associate in Contextual Safeguarding
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the specific requirements and responsibilities of the Postdoctoral Research Associate position. Pay attention to the emphasis on qualitative research, data analysis, and working with diverse stakeholders.
Tailor Your CV: Highlight relevant experience in qualitative research, particularly in educational settings. Include any previous work involving sensitive topics or child safeguarding practices, as these are crucial for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for Contextual Safeguarding and how your skills align with the project's goals. Mention your experience with creative research methods and your ability to engage with students and young people effectively.
Showcase Your Research Skills: Provide examples of past research projects where you led data collection and analysis. Discuss any innovative approaches you used and how they contributed to the outcomes, ensuring to relate them back to the context of education and safeguarding.
How to prepare for a job interview at Westfield State University
✨Understand Contextual Safeguarding
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what Contextual Safeguarding is and its implications for education. Be prepared to discuss how this approach can help address violence and harm among young people, especially in relation to minoritised groups.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Highlight your experience with qualitative research methods, particularly in educational settings. Be ready to share examples of how you've led research activities, conducted interviews, or facilitated focus groups, as these will be crucial for the role.
✨Discuss Sensitive Topics Confidently
Since the role involves discussing sensitive issues like harm and structural violence, practice articulating your thoughts on these topics. Demonstrating your ability to handle such discussions with care and professionalism will be key.
✨Prepare for Creative Methodologies
Familiarise yourself with creative research methods that engage students and young people. Be prepared to discuss how you would implement these methods in your research and how they can enhance data collection and analysis.