Senior Research Associate

Location: Bristol, UK

The School for Policy Studies is beginning an exciting and important new research project on the Educational Attainment and Progress of Children in Need and Children in Care . This builds on the very successful and influential previous stage of the research, also undertaken in association with the Rees Centre, University of Oxford and funded by the Nuffield Foundation.

We are seeking to appoint a part time (0.8 FTE) Senior Research Associate who will work specifically on the qualitative phase of the project, that will include interviews with professionals, carers, parents, children in care and children in need.

You should have detailed subject knowledge of looked after children, children in need, children's services or educational disadvantage or related fields; significant experience of undertaking qualitative research, including interviewing, with a disadvantaged group; high level analytical skills and the ability to pro-actively and creatively implement solutions to complex problems; and excellent interpersonal and communication (oral and written) skills. It is essential that you have a relevant Masters degree or equivalent in social work, social policy, education or a related area.

The appointment is open ended with fixed-term funding (available from 1 November 2017, or as soon as possible thereafter until 30 April 2019).

The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 11 October 2017.

It is expected that interviews will be held on 26 October 2017.

For informal enquiries, please contact Professor David Berridge (email: or tel: (0)).

The University is committed to creating and sustaining a fully inclusive culture. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.