Research Fellow

Contract Type:

Fixed Term contract up to February 2024 

The research project will investigate the application of the UK’s Counter-Terrorism (CT) Prevent Duty in schools across the Birmingham area. S26 of the Counter-Terrorism and Security Act 2015 introduced the Prevent Duty, placing legal responsibility on specified authorities to make referrals to Prevent if they suspect someone may become involved in terrorism or be drawn into extremism. Education settings, including primary and secondary schools, fall under this legal duty. The purpose of this project is to therefore explore how education professionals manage the Prevent duty within the parameters of their role and professional interests, navigating their relationship with CT law enforcement stakeholders. The project will likely explore themes including the appropriate safeguarding of vulnerable young people, risk-aversity in the CT landscape and its reasons, and the nature of interactions between Prevent specified authorities (namely education, local authority and law enforcement).

We therefore seek to appoint a full-time research fellow for one year (12 months) to manage an empirical research project from inception through to completion. The prospective candidate will be responsible for conducting qualitative research leading to high-quality empirical data, providing a necessary evidence base to achieve project impact. The project forms part of a growing body of research within the Birmingham Law School Interdisciplinary Counter-Terrorism Research Group (ICTRG). It is envisaged that findings collected and analysed by the prospective candidate will inform local and national dialogue within this group around the current operation of prevent, with the potential for strong impact outcomes. The successful candidate will further benefit from academic mentorship, with time built-into the role for career development activities."

'We are looking for a candidate with relevant experience in conducting a qualitative research project from inception to completion, with experience in designing and employing research methodologies and conducting interviews in environments requiring sensitivity. Experience in analysing qualitative research data is also essential. The candidate should also need a higher degree (or near to completion) relevant to the research area - including but not limited to, law, psychology, sociology, criminology and broader social sciences.'

Pre-Employment

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Informal enquires to Alexander White, a.white.2@bham.ac.uk

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the Apply Online button above or visit our careers website; https://edzz.fa.em3.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_6001/job/1287/?utm_medium=jobshare

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