Post Doctoral Research Associate - Prison Project

The Open University is the UK’s largest university, a world leader in flexible part-time education combining a mission to widen access to higher education with research excellence, transforming lives through education.

About the Role

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work in the School of Social Policy and Criminology at The Open University on a prison project. The successful candidate will work closely with both CO-I’s - Dr Isla Masson (Open University) and Dr Natalie Booth (Bath Spa University). The post holder will use their research knowledge and skills to provide support with the qualitative data collection for a research prison project exploring the impact of remand custody on both those incarcerated, as well as family members, partners and friends supporting them in the community.

The successful candidate will require strong interpersonal, gatekeeper and stakeholder management and communication skills, in addition to qualitative research experience and skills and flexibility. The post holder will need to travel to different prison locations in England (very likely to be in the South of England) and Wales to maintain relationships with prison gatekeepers and to collect data with remand prisoners and individuals supporting them in the community. The postholder will be required to work remotely when processing and analysing the data and will need to undergo HMPPS security clearance. Relevant training and support will be made available.

Although this role is initially only a 6 months duration contract, there may be the opportunity for the successful candidate to have their contract extended if additional funding is achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Play an active part in maintaining relationships with prison gatekeepers.
• To collect data with those incarcerated on remand, as well as those supporting them in the community.
• To support with processing and analysis of collected data.
• To maintain contact with participants after they have taken part in the research.
• Support the development and submission of funding bids including: working on data and impact plans, networking with non-academic stakeholders and partners, and scoping of potential funding sources.

About You

Essential

• A PhD or equivalent in an area of Criminology or Social Policy or cognate discipline.
• Evidence of research excellence in Criminology or Social Policy.
• Expertise in qualitative research methods.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively – in writing and in person – with a diverse range of individuals.
• Capable of working independently and taking responsibility for own elements of work within the project, but also collaboratively as part of a small research team.
• Willingness to travel to carry out research, with potential overnight stays.
• Computer literacy and ICT competence.
• Understandings of ethics in Criminology and GDPR requirements.
• A commitment to equal opportunities policies and practices.
• A commitment to Open University values.

Desirable

• Experience of working in prison, or with prisoner’s families.
• An existing track record of publication, particularly in academic journals.
• A proven ability of engaging with public policy and work collaboratively with practitioners and policy makers.
• Ability to develop and maintain excellent relationships with external stakeholders, including non-academic stakeholders.
• Ability to work within, and develop, research networks that include non-academic stakeholders.
• A full driving licence and access to a car.
• Experience of contributing to the preparation of research bids to external funders.
• Experience of designing, organising or delivering knowledge exchange activities.

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.

What’s in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance.

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

Interviews are likely to be held in the week commencing 10th November or the week commencing 17th November 2025.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit the following document(s): CV and Supporting statement of up to 1000 words providing evidence of how you meet the criteria listed above.