Senior Research Fellow

University of Birmingham - CHASM, School of Social Policy

Location: Birmingham

Salary: £58,225 to £67,468. As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is Grade 9, salary £61,759.

Hours: Full Time

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract up to May 2029

Placed On: 24th March 2026

Closes: 14th April 2026

Job Ref: 107100

You will contribute as Deputy Director of the centre, to research, impact, engagement, administration and leadership activity.

Your research will involve an established national, and developing international reputation, through significant original research work and a clear record of impact in area(s) aligned with CHASM’s research

Main Duties

Research

• Sustained research activity through original research and scholarship related to financial security, wellbeing and inclusion, including research-related contributions through conference papers and presentations and/or public and policy engagement, consultancy projects and advice
• Make a major contribution to the management of research activities in CHASM
• Lead successful funding bids relating to financial wellbeing, security and inclusion
• Publish leading research that results in a highly respected reputation of international quality
• Leadership of research that contributes to the progression of CHASM’s objectives.
• Project manage research activities, and/or supervising research staff
• Supervise and examine PhD students within the institution and externally

Impact, engagement and enterprise

Contribute to leadership of high value impact activity in knowledge transfer and enterprise of benefit to CHASM/the University and: makes a significant contribution to policy development nationally and internationally; and/or involves development of policy/practice links and comparable networks and initiatives.

Leadership/Management/administration

Chair/lead activities in CHASM and where appropriate, representation on University committees or working groups. Contribute significantly to the development and running of CHASM as Deputy Director and:

• Contribute to the administration/management of research
• Develop and manage staff/resources in support of major research activities
• Make significant contributions to the development of CHASM’s research strategy
• Implement a culture that promotes Equality and values diversity and inclusion

Person Specification

• A PhD relevant to the research area or equivalent qualifications
• Extensive research experience and scholarship within subject specialism
• Extensive experience and demonstrated success in planning, undertaking and project
• Managing research to deliver high quality results
• Experience and achievement in knowledge transfer, enterprise and similar activity
• Ability to work collaboratively within a research team
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Ability to work to deadlines
• Experience of championing Equality, Diversity and Inclusion in own work area

Research

An excellent national reputation and a developing international profile through original research work and a clear record of impact. Including:

• High level peer esteem as evidenced by excellent reputation in the UK and often internationally, reflected in sustained high-quality output, level of innovation, impact on subject and recognition
• An excellent and sustained record of peer reviewed research publications
• Successful supervision of doctoral students
• Substantial research income generation
• High value impact knowledge transfer and enterprise of benefit to CHASM/the University

Management and administration

Management and administration-related activities, which may include leadership of research or research-related activities/initiatives including:

• Successful performance in significant administrative/managerial role(s)
• High-quality contributions to the management/administration of a University Department or equivalent
• Actively promote equality and diversity to internal and external stakeholders
• Experience of developing interventions to address equality and diversity issues

Informal enquiries to Louise Overton