School of Social Work
Senior Research Associate
Ref: RA2390
Salary on appointment will be £38,784 per annum (pro rata), with an annual increment up to £46,049 per annum (pro rata).
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Senior Research Associate to join the School of Social Work to explore how children and their adoptive families navigate the early days of family building once the child comes to live in the family home. It is a qualitative study working closely with national and regional partners to understand the experiences of families and the professionals who worked with them.
As a Senior Research Associate, you will contribute ideas and/or enhancement of techniques or methodologies. You will work with our partners to identify, analyse and interpret data, write up findings and present information on research progress and outcomes.
You will have a postgraduate level research degree, equivalent qualification or experience in a relevant research area. You will also have strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to analyse and interpret data and work effectively as part of a team. Advanced skills directly relating to this research area and experience presenting to practitioners would be advantageous.
This part time post (0.6 FTE) is available from 1 June 2026 for a fixed term of 12 months.
Benefits include:
- 44 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and University Customary days (pro rata for part-time).
- Family and Work-life balance policies including hybrid working and considerable maternity, paternity, shared parental leave and adoption leave.
- Generous pension scheme with life cover for dependants, plus incapacity cover.
- Health and Wellbeing: discounted access to Sportspark facilities, relaxation rooms, 320 acres of rolling parkland, wellbeing walks, Wellbeing Ambassador network, on-campus medical centre including NHS Dentist, Occupational Health and a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Campus Facilities: Sportspark, library, nursery, supermarket, post office, bars and catering outlets.
- Exclusive shopping discounts to help cut the cost of household bills, childcare salary sacrifice scheme, Cycle to Work scheme and public transport discounts.
- Personal Development: unlimited access to LinkedIn Learning courses, specialist advice and training from our Organisational Development and Professional Learning Team.
Closing date: 15 May 2026
The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.