Community Researcher (X8)

Nottingham Trent University; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 20,000; Full time

Job summary

Nottingham Trent University invites candidates to apply for one of eight full-time PhD positions in partnership with local universities. The projects focus on pressing community issues in Leicestershire and Rutland, offering comprehensive support and training to develop future leaders in research.

Benefits

PhD tuition fees covered

Tax-free monthly stipend

Extensive training and development

Expert guidance from academics

Qualifications

• Experience in local community settings.
• Detail-oriented and passionate about complex issues.
• Resilient mindset with strong potential for success.

Responsibilities

• Undertake research projects addressing local community issues.
• Contribute meaningfully to communities through research.
• Engage with research academics and community professionals.

Skills

Problem solving

Community engagement

Independent working

Job description

Help us make a difference to the lives of people in Leicestershire and Rutland through research. Develop yourself as an expert problem solver and earn a PhD degree.

About the role

Collaboratory is looking for candidates to undertake 1 of 8, 3-year, full-time research projects, each focused on local community issues. Each project is supported with a studentship package which includes the following:

• PhD tuition fees are covered in full (worth approx. £15-17k across the full PhD programme).
• Payment of a tax-free monthly stipend based on £19,237 per annum (approx. £1,600/month), with annual increase.
• Accessible to extensive training and development from De Montfort University, Loughborough University and the University of Leicester.
• Expert support and guidance from research academics and community professionals.
• Award of a PhD degree on completion

Practical details of the role include:

• Fully flexible working to help fit your personal commitments around your work.
• Full-time hours (minimum 37.5 hrs per week) for 3 years.
• Start date for successful candidates is 28 September 2025

Available Research Projects:

Explore all available projects in full, here: https://ufncollaboratory.ac.uk/leics-studentships-2025/

1. Co-creating transformative and innovative strategies to improve social support, educational outcomes, and future opportunities for children and young people in Leicestershire

2. Energy for All: Broadening the benefits of community energy projects for local communities in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland

3. How can childhood health inequalities be reduced by improving indoor home environments in Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland?

4. Inclusive Heritage in Superdiverse Places: Redesigning inclusion in heritage content, practice, and policy in Leicestershire

5. Developing Community-led approach to inclusive growth in NottinghamshireInvisible poverty and the politics of survival: Examining the role of social enterprises and community-centred organisations in addressing poverty in Leicestershire and Rutland communities

6. Rethinking models and policies for first and last mile travel – connecting rural areas beyond city boundaries in Leicestershire

7. Understanding nurse’s perspectives in suicide safety planning and risk management for children and adolescents in Leicester

8. Understanding the factors that influence children’s financial literacy skills in Coalvillenderstanding the factors that influence children’s financial literacy skills in Coalville

APPLICATION DEADLINE: 11:59 pm 29 June 2025

Interviews: 14-23 July 2025

Who are we looking for?

We are seeking doctoral researchers who embody the qualities of careful and detail-oriented problem solvers. Ideal candidates will have experience in local community settings and a genuine passion for to dive deep into complex issues and for making a positive impact.

We are looking for individuals with strong potential for success, who demonstrate a resilient mindset and can work independently under their own motivation. You should be motivated to contribute meaningfully to communities through your work.

What is Collaboratory?

Collaboratory is a new research programme, led by Universities for Nottingham and the Leicester Universities Partnership, that places community knowledge and experience at the heart of research. This eight-year initiative is pioneering a new approach to collaboration, working closely with local communities and community-focused organisations to develop and deliver research that aligns with the needs and priorities of local communities.

Eligibility

For your application to be considered, you must meet our eligibility criteria. Full details are available on our website at https://ufncollaboratory.ac.uk/l25-phd-eligibility-criteria/

How to apply?

For full details of available projects, eligibility criteria, applicant support, and link to the application form, please visit:

https://ufncollaboratory.ac.uk/leics-studentships-2025/

For any informal queries about the roles, please contact the team at [e-mail]

Apply today!