Job Description

Position Details

College of Social Sciences

University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to July 2027

Closing date: 20th September 2026

UK travel may be required for this role

Background

A postdoctoral researcher is sought to join Dr Gabriela Misca's research team on a study investigating policy and practice relating to Armed Forces families. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful research, engage with a range of stakeholders, and help generate evidence that can improve support for military-connected families and communities. The post is available immediately on a fixed-term contract until 31 July 2027.

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project The role will involve mixed-methods research, stakeholder engagement, research and policy analysis and contribution to high-impact research outputs.

The research fellow will be responsible for a variety of tasks across the research project, including but not limited to recruiting participants, data collection and carrying out administrative duties in support of the project.

Role Summary

• Work within specified research programme and contribute to writing bids
• Contribute to the creation of knowledge
• Operate within area of specialism
• Be involved in participant recruitment and data collection
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Contribute to public understanding of research and support other members of the research team

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as literature reviews, research interviews, online surveys and focus groups*
• Analyse and interpret data
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters*
• Support organisation and facilitation of stakeholder engagement activities, including research panels, workshops and consultation events
• Liaise with Armed Forces stakeholders, charities and family support organisations
• Contribute to co-produced approaches to research design, interpretation and dissemination
• Contribute to the preparation of policy briefings, reports, presentations and academic outputs
• Develop or adapt research techniques, models and methods
• Work collaboratively with the Principal Investigator whilst taking responsibility for agreed aspects of project delivery
• Provide guidance, as required to support staff, students and stakeholders who may be assisting with the research*
• Review research and policy literature and provide draft summaries
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research project objectives or deadlines*
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research project
• Attend meetings as requested by the PI
• Undertake any other tasks and duties are request by the PI
• Fosters a fair and equitable workplace for all staff
• Identify and respond to equality and diversity issues in line with relevant university policies and procedures
• Other relevant criteria from our equality and diversity duties document
• These indicative responsibilities may also be included in a research role at grade 6

Person Specification

• A PhD relevant to the research area (or near completion), or equivalent PhD level qualifications
• Research experience in Psychology, Social Policy, Health and Social Care Research or a closely relevant discipline
• Ability to travel for data collection and stakeholder involvement
• Experience of research involving diverse family forms and/or hard to reach populations
• Experience of participatory, co-produced or stakeholder-engaged research
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort

Informal enquiries to Gabriela Misca, email: g.m.misca@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.