Research Fellow - Community Research Network

Queen's University Belfast; Belfast; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

An established institution is looking for a passionate Research Fellow to join their innovative team. This role focuses on enhancing community development through research and collaboration, particularly in urban innovation initiatives. The successful candidate will work closely with local stakeholders, ensuring that community voices are at the forefront of research efforts. With a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment, this position offers an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful impact in inner-city Belfast. Join a forward-thinking environment that values diversity and fosters professional growth.

Benefits

Up to 8.4 weeks of holiday annually

Pension schemes

Flexible working

Work-life balance initiatives

Health support

Development opportunities

Qualifications

• Upper second class honours degree or Master's in social science discipline.
• PhD in relevant subject required or nearing completion.

Responsibilities

• Support community-led research and urban innovation projects.
• Engage with community organisations and policymakers.

Skills

Qualitative Research Methods

Quantitative Research Methods

Participatory Research

Co-design Methodologies

Data Analysis

Effective Communication

Community Engagement

Education

Upper Second Class Honours Degree

Master’s Degree in Social Science

PhD in Relevant Subject

Job description

Job description

Queen’s Communities and Place (QCAP) is an AHSS Faculty flagship research initiative based in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work. Launched in November 2021, it supports research partnerships between leading academics and partner communities. QCAP adopts a place-based approach, leveraging local expertise and academic knowledge to develop solutions to complex problems. It also fosters collaborations with national and international partners, sharing knowledge and building sustainable, long-term partnerships.

About the person:

QCAP is seeking a dedicated and motivated Research Fellow to contribute to the Belfast Community Research and Innovation Network (BCRIN), aimed at embedding research and innovation capacity within community development organisations in inner-city Belfast. The postholder will support community-led research, participatory knowledge production, and co-design urban innovation projects, working closely with local stakeholders.

Additionally, the fellow will contribute to QCAP’s Education, Skills, and Inclusive Innovation (ESII) work programme, focusing on developing an inclusive innovation ecosystem that empowers working-class communities in urban innovation initiatives. The role involves engaging with resident researchers, community organisations, policymakers, and other research stakeholders to ensure community voices are central to urban innovation.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• An upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) or a Master’s degree in a social science discipline.
• Have or be about to obtain a PhD in a relevant subject.
• Experience with qualitative and/or quantitative research methods in applied settings.
• Strong understanding of participatory research, co-design, and community-led methodologies.
• Effective communication of research methods and findings to diverse audiences, including students, community groups, and policymakers.
• Experience delivering workshops, seminars, or training related to research methods, community development, or urban innovation.
• Ability to contribute to management and administrative processes within a research team or community initiative.
• Knowledge of urban innovation, education, place-based research, or inclusive innovation frameworks.
• Ability to design and conduct fieldwork in collaboration with community organisations.
• Strong skills in data analysis, research synthesis, and policy engagement.

To be shortlisted, please clearly demonstrate how you meet both the essential and any applicable desirable criteria in your application.

This post is available for 35 months. Fixed-term contracts may be renewed or made permanent depending on funding availability.

What we offer:

In addition to a competitive salary, the University offers attractive benefits including up to 8.4 weeks of holiday annually, pension schemes, and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing through flexible working, work-life balance initiatives, and health support. More details can be found at this link.

Queen's University is committed to equality of opportunity. We hold Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan, and have staff networks like iRise (for Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic, and International Staff) and PRISM (LGBTQ+), promoting diversity and inclusion.

For more on our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion initiatives, visit our website.

If you are an international applicant without a valid visa, please consult this page to assess the support available for visa applications.