Postdoctoral Research Fellow

University of Exeter; Exeter; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 54,000; Part time

Job summary

University of Exeter invites applications for a part-time Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Children and Young People’s Wellbeing. The role focuses on understanding kinship care networks and safeguarding wellbeing, with interviews and participatory methods across England.

The successful candidate will lead research activities, develop programmes, and help secure funding with flexibility to travel as required. The appointment is 0.8 FTE on a fixed-term contract funded by NIHR until 31 March 2029.

Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field.
• Ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals.
• Ability to travel to study sites across England.

Responsibilities

• Conduct interviews and participatory methods with children and young people in kinship care and with carers and service providers.
• Develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of funding and contribute to grant applications.
• Lead and supervise team members; work collaboratively across study sites.

Skills

Research design

Interviews

Collaboration

Public speaking

Education

PhD or equivalent

Job description

Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Children and Young People's Wellbeing

This part-time (0.8 FTE) post is offered as a fixed term contract and is funded by NIHR Research Programme for Social Care from 1st November 2026 until 31st March 2029.

This post is offered as a fixed term contract and is funded by NIHR until 31 March 2029. In line with the University’s fair employment for all principles, any further funding opportunities identified will be reviewed and discussed during the contract.

Salary will be £43,482 (pro rata) on Grade F subject to knowledge, skills and experience.

Please note that this role is subject to a DBS check.

The Role

The Faculty of Health and Life Sciences wishes to recruit a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to help deliver a study aiming to understand how children in kinship care can be supported to safely navigate and maintain the support networks that are important to them. The successful applicant will have an understanding of children’s social care and children and young people’s wellbeing. The post will include undertaking interviews and participatory methods with children and young people in kinship care, as well as interviews with kinship carers and service providers.

About You

The successful applicant will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events.

Applicants will possess a relevant PhD or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in children and young people’s wellbeing and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. Applicants will be able to work flexibly and be willing and able to travel to different study sites across England.

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role.

Further information

Please contact Professor Felicity Thomas, [e-mail]

This role closes on 24 September.

Transform Your Career and Help Shape a Greener, Healthier, and Fairer Future

Join the University of Exeter, a top 200 Russel Group university (QS & THE World University Rankings 2025), excelling in teaching (triple Gold rating, TEF 2023) and leading groundbreaking research in the beautiful southwest of England.

We are committed to understanding different cultures and perspectives, supporting diverse leadership, and striving for social justice. We encourage applications from all groups underrepresented in our community, including racially minoritised individuals and those with disabilities. Our inclusive, merit based recruitment processes seek to embrace a diverse set of experiences to ensure colleagues feel supported equitably. With over 30,000 students and 7,000 staff from 140 countries, we foster a culture where everyone can thrive.

How We Can Help

If you are considering applying and need support to do so, please get in touch with us at [e-mail]. You can request reasonable adjustments within your application or by contacting us. You can also choose to be considered under our Disability Confident Scheme and find out here how this is managed during our recruitment and onboarding process.