Research Fellow College of Social Sciences 106816 Grade 7

The University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 47,000; Full time

Job summary

An established educational institution in Birmingham is seeking a Research Fellow to support the Peer Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS-UK) project. The role involves recruiting schools, data management, and liaising with partners. Candidates should have relevant degrees and strong analytical skills. This full-time position offers a salary ranging from £36,636 to £46,049, with potential progression based on performance. This is a fixed term contract until December 2027.

Qualifications

• High level analytical capability.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively.

Responsibilities

• Support school recruitment and delivery of PALS-UK.
• Collect and summarise data, manage quality control.
• Liaise and maintain relationships with schools and partners.

Skills

Bioinformatics

Genetics

R

Biochemistry

Cell Biology

Statistical Software

Cell Culture

Molecular Biology

Data Analysis Skills

Flow Cytometry

Microscopy

Education

First degree in area of specialism

Higher degree relevant to research area

Job description

Description

Position Details

College of Social Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham Edgbaston Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range 36636 to 46049 with potential progression once in post to 48822

Grade : 7

Full Time Fixed Term contract up to December 2027

Closing date : 5th January 2026

UK travel may be required for this role.

Background

This exciting role will support the delivery of Peer Assisted Learning Strategies (PALS-UK) in a large-scale Education Endowment Foundation funded effectiveness trial. PALS-UK is a research-informed approach to supporting reading fluency and comprehension through structured paired reading. This trial will focus on its effectiveness for Year 5 pupils in schools in England. The Research Fellow will join Professor Helen Breadmores research team in the School of Education University of Birmingham. The project is a collaboration with Dr Emma Vardy (Nottingham Trent University) and is being independently evaluated by colleagues at Manchester Metropolitan University.

Role Summary

The research fellow will work as part of a team to support school recruitment and delivery of PALS-UK. Tasks will include

Supporting regional and online recruitment activities teacher training and ongoing monitoring and support for schools (including school visits)

Collecting and summarising data data management and quality control sharing key information about recruitment and delivery with the independent evaluators and funder.

Liaising with and maintain relationships with schools and partner organisations

Undertaking literature reviews to inform training materials and reports.

Working within the specified research grant and contribute to writing reports and bids to evidence sustain and scale the approach beyond the lifetime of the grant.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Analyse and interpret data
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication research seminars etc
• Contribute to developing new models techniques and methods
• Undertake management / administration arising from research
• Contribute to Departmental / School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise business development and / or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods such as scientific experimentation literature reviews and research interviews
• Present research outputs including drafting academic publications or parts thereof for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture.

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism and normally a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management / administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and / or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010 and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Ability to travel (to deliver training and support schools ) using own or public transport

Informal enquiries to Helen Breadmore email :

Use of AI in applications : We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

We believe there is no such thing as a typical member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.

Key Skills

Bioinformatics, Genetics, R, Biochemistry, Cell Biology, Research Experience, Statistical Software, Cell Culture, Molecular Biology, Data Analysis Skills, Flow Cytometry, Microscopy

Employment Type : Full-Time

Experience : years

Vacancy : 1

Monthly Salary Salary : 36636 - 46049