Research Fellow

University of Stirling - Faculty of Social Sciences

Location: Stirling Campus

Contract type: Fixed term until 31st May 2027

Working pattern: Part time (50%FTE)

The Post

As a Research Fellow, you will provide research support for the ESRC-funded project, Decolonising STEM and geography education in secondary schools: exploring agency and curriculum-making across England and Scotland.

This research initiative will empower teachers to challenge preconceptions across STEM and geography curricula to support more inclusive learning. Resources and teaching methods will be developed, and educators will be supported to integrate diverse perspectives, confront bias, and move beyond a neutral scientific view to acknowledge historical context.

Specifically, your role will involve leading qualitative data collection and analysis across different phases of the project, including online interviews with STEM and geography educators, school-based observations, and interviews. Collaborating across online workshops, you will work closely with educators and schools to support high-quality, ethically robust data collection.

Description of duties

• As part of a wider team, develop research and knowledge exchange objectives and proposals for own or joint research and play a lead role in relation to a specific project/s or part of a broader project, with guidance from senior colleagues as required
• As part of the research team, conduct research, including determining appropriate research methods and contributing to the development of new research methods
• Write or contribute to publications and disseminate research findings using other appropriate media. Engage in impact and dissemination activities such as conferences, blogs, and webinars and other knowledge exchange activities to encourage societal impact
• Identify sources of funding and contribute to proposals to secure funding, including drafting and contributing to grant proposals and planning for future proposals from internal and external bodies to support future research

Essential criteria

Qualifications

• Honours Degree and PhD in an appropriate discipline of education or social research

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Sufficient breadth or depth of specialist knowledge, in a relevant discipline to contribute to the development of research programmes and methodologies including online and in-person workshops and field work with teachers
• Ability to routinely communicate complex and conceptual ideas to those with limited knowledge and understanding as well as to peers using high level skills and a range of media

For further information, including a full description of duties, essential criteria and details on how to apply, please see Vacancy details | University of Stirling