Postdoctoral Research Associate

The Open University; England; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading UK university is looking for a Part-time Postdoctoral Research Associate to conduct qualitative research on a prison project. The role involves maintaining relationships with prison gatekeepers and collecting data from incarcerated individuals and their supporters. Candidates should hold a PhD in Criminology or Social Policy, possess strong communication skills, and have research excellence in the field. Flexibility and the ability to travel are essential.

Qualifications

• Evidence of research excellence in Criminology or Social Policy.
• Ability to communicate effectively with diverse individuals.
• Experience of working in prison or with prisoners' families.

Responsibilities

• Maintain relationships with prison gatekeepers.
• Collect data from incarcerated individuals and their supporters.
• Process and analyze collected data.

Skills

Interpersonal communication

Stakeholder management

Qualitative research

Flexibility

Computer literacy

Ethics understanding

Education

PhD in Criminology or Social Policy

Job description

Overview

Join to apply for the Postdoctoral Research Associate role at The Open University.

This range is provided by The Open University. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

Department: Social Policy & Criminology

Closing Date: 2 November 2025

Weekly Working Hours: 14.8

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 31 July 2026

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 6 months long, 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

• A PhD or equivalent in an area of Criminology or Social Policy or cognate discipline.
• Evidence of research excellence in Criminology or Social Policy.
• 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.
• 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.

Seniority level

• Associate

Employment type

• Part-time

Job function

• Research
• Higher Education

Note: This job description focuses on the Open University role and related requirements. Other postings listed are for informational purposes and not part of this position.