Research Associate - Exploring Surplus Food Redistribution

The Open University UK; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Open University is seeking a Research Associate to support the Exploring Surplus Food Redistribution project, collaborating with OU and international partners to map business models for surplus food redistribution and to develop data analytics and discrete-event simulation for local food systems.

You will conduct interviews with non-profit organisations, analyse qualitative data, and assist in writing outputs such as conference papers and journal articles.

Qualifications

• PhD (or in final year) in business management, operations management or supply chain management.
• Experience reviewing academic/grey literature and reports.
• Experience conducting qualitative interviews and qualitative data analysis.
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage time effectively.
• Ability to work autonomously as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• IT skills including Microsoft Teams and NVivo.
• Strong record-keeping and organizational skills with clear reporting.
• Excellent written and oral communication with diverse stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of project objectives, coordinate tasks with OU team and stakeholders.
• Engage with project partners and provide updates on steps and findings.
• Organize and conduct approximately 40 semi-structured qualitative interviews.
• Assist with arranging 2 workshops with project partners.
• Conduct data analysis of interviews and workshop notes.
• Draft research findings clearly for dissemination.
• Communicate findings using suitable media to maximise impact.

Skills

Qualitative interviews

Literature review

Time management

Initiative

Clear communication

Education

PhD or equivalent in business/operations/supply chain

Tools

NVivo

Microsoft Office

Job description

Research Associate - Exploring Surplus Food Redistribution

Advert Reference Number: 1876 Job Location: Milton Keynes Department: Department for People & Organisations Salary: £38,784 to £42,254 pro‑ratio (actual £15,513.60 to £16,901.60) Closing Date: 9 September 2026 Weekly Working Hours: 14.8 Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract End Date: 6 Months from start date Welsh Language: Not Applicable

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About the Role

Academics from the Faculty of Business & Law (FBL) are inviting applications for a Research Associate role to support the Open Societal Challenges project ‘Exploring Surplus Food Redistribution’. This project aims to develop a self-sustaining surplus food redistribution (SFR) framework, co‑creating it with project partners in Milton Keynes and Eastbourne who are food charities. This will start with a mapping to identify the different business models involved (e.g. food banks, community fridges, garden allotments, pantries, larders), understand the local challenges, and explore more collaborative and efficient redistribution practices. The information collected at this stage will feed into a data analytics and discrete‑event simulation modelling stage, where we aim to explore local operations and visualise opportunities for more collaborative and efficient management of surplus food. We envisage that this framework will be applicable to other UK communities, helping strengthen equitable, collaborative, and sustainable local food systems.

You will work with three academics in the operations and supply chain management field (two from the OU and one from the State University of São Paulo, Brazil). It's expected that the selected person will take part and conduct interviews with different non‑profit organisations and eventually will have to travel to East Sussex for data collection and field observations.

There is the potential opportunity to support the team in writing outcomes, such as conference papers, journal articles, other sources of dissemination and external research funding applications.

Please note due to funding requirements, this 6 month contract must be completed by 31 May 2027 and therefore, the successful candidate must be able to commence the contract no later than 1 December 2026.

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting delivery of the objectives of the project, coordinating tasks with the OU project team and different stakeholders.
• Engaging with project partners and keeping them updated about the project steps and findings.
• Organising and conducting approximately 40 semi‑structured qualitative interviews.
• Engage with preliminary tasks in supporting the organisation of 2 workshops with project partners.
• Conducting data analysis: analysing interviews (approximately 40 interviews) and 2 workshop notes.
• Drafting research findings in an effective way.
• Communicating effectively using a range of appropriate media throughout the project for engagement and impact.

About You

Essential criteria:

• A PhD (applications will be accepted from candidates who are in their final year of PhD study) or equivalent in business management, operations management or supply chain management.
• Experience of reviewing academic/grey literature and reports.
• Experience of qualitative research interviews, and effective qualitative data analysis.
• The ability to work to deadlines demonstrating good time-management.
• The ability to act on own initiative as part of a multidisciplinary research team.
• IT skills including use of Microsoft Office Teams and NVivo (qualitative analysis).
• Record‑keeping and organisational skills which demonstrate clarity, attention to detail, and enable accurate reporting to be undertaken.
• The ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in writing, with a range of stakeholders both internal and external.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience in food‑related projects.
• Experience of stakeholder engagement and facilitating communication outputs to effect change.
• Knowledge of related academic research areas.
• Knowledge of discrete event simulation modelling.
• Experience in converting qualitative findings into diagrams.
• A record of research and/or knowledge exchange that is commensurate with the position.

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email [e-mail] quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Work location

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where you can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance on our Milton Keynes campus will be required. There is an expectation that occasional attendance may be required at our Milton Keynes office, for which expenses are not covered. Please note that this role requires the flexibility to undertake interviews and travel to East Sussex, for which expenses will be paid.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an interview with Carla Pereira and Nicoleta Tipi. We expect the interviews to take place on the 23 and 24 September.

Early closing date notification

While most roles will remain open until the advertised closing date, applications may be reviewed on an ongoing basis. In some cases, vacancies may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications have been received and equality impacts have been appropriately considered. All roles will remain advertised for a minimum of one week before any early closure is implemented.

If you have started an application or were in the process of applying when the advert closed, we encourage you to get in touch. We are committed to understanding individual circumstances and can offer further support where needed, including reasonable adjustments for applicants with protected characteristics.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength.We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.