Research Associate - Great British Chemicals

Newcastle University; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading global institution in Newcastle is seeking a Research Associate for a two-year project on the UK chemicals sector. You will conduct qualitative and quantitative research, manage data, and engage with various audiences. The ideal candidate holds a PhD and has demonstrated skills in interviews and surveys. You will benefit from a generous holiday package, pension schemes, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace.

Benefits

Generous holiday package

Pension schemes

Health and wellbeing initiatives

Qualifications

• Experience conducting in-depth interviews and analysing qualitative data.
• Experience conducting surveys and analysing survey data.
• Experience writing up research for reports and publication.

Responsibilities

• Conduct desk-based reviews of academic and grey literature.
• Prepare for and conduct field research in the UK and overseas.
• Manage project data under guidance.

Skills

Conducting in-depth interviews

Qualitative data analysis

Survey design and implementation

Independent research

Communication skills

Team collaboration

Online communication methods

Education

PhD in Business and Management, Economic Geography, Economic Sociology or related discipline

Job description

We are seeking a Research Associate in Newcastle University Business School (NUBS) to conduct research, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, policy engagement and dissemination, for a two-year project funded as part of the UKRI Great British Chemicals hub.

Responsibilities

• Conduct desk‑based reviews of academic and grey literature.
• Attend fortnightly meetings with the Project Lead, monthly Function Stream and wider hub meetings and workshops.
• Organise and keep records of meetings as required.
• Prepare for and conduct field research in the UK and overseas, including ethical review.
• Carry out online and in‑person interviews with key informants in the chemicals industry and policy‑makers, regulators and third‑sector organisations.
• Design and implement surveys and individual and group interviews with workforces and community groups in chemicals and chemical‑using companies and industrial regions.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data.
• Manage project data under guidance from the Project Lead.
• Contribute to project engagement and dissemination, including presentations to industry and academic audiences and outputs such as project reports, interim reports, policy briefs and academic papers.

Qualifications

• Experience conducting in‑depth interviews and analysing qualitative data.
• Experience conducting surveys and analysing survey data.
• Experience carrying out independent research.
• Experience writing up research for reports and publication.
• Experience conducting social‑science research in or on industrial regions and/or supply chains.
• Achievements in publishing research, either as a lone scholar or joint author, in the field of business and management, economic geography, sociology or related discipline.
• Experience with online communication and/or research methods.
• PhD in Business and Management, Economic Geography, Economic Sociology or a related social‑science discipline.
• Ability to prepare research work for reports and publication.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently using own initiative.
• Skills in survey‑based and qualitative data collection and analysis, including use of appropriate software and digital tools.
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with wide and diverse audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Experience conducting qualitative data analysis.
• Experience working in groups.
• Knowledge of debates, literature and concepts in circular economies, supply chains and sustainability, industrial regulation, labour and livelihoods.
• Knowledge of the chemical and chemicals‑using industries is desirable.

Attributes and Behaviour

• Enthusiasm for research into the chemical and chemicals‑using sectors, industrial sustainability and supply chains.
• Collaborative ethos.
• Positive attitude to colleagues, research participants and partners.
• Willingness to work outside conventional working hours if required by fieldwork and travel.
• Ability to plan and prioritise work to meet deadlines.
• Commitment to personal development and updating of knowledge and skills.
• Willingness to up‑skill in online research methods and data management.

Benefits

Newcastle University offers a generous holiday package, pension schemes and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives. Great British Chemicals is a national alliance focused on decarbonising the UK chemicals sector.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Newcastle University is a global university where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and committed to inclusion, actively recruiting and supporting staff from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident employer and welcome disabled applicants.