Research Fellow - Community Research Network

Queen’s Communities and Place (QCAP) is an AHSS Faculty flagship research initiative based in the School of Social Sciences, Education and Social Work. It launched in November 2021 and supports the creation of research partnerships between world-leading academics and partner communities. QCAP focuses on a “place based” approach, harnessing local expertise, insight, and academic expertise to create and test novel solutions to previously intractable problems. In addition to this, it provides the opportunity to work with other national and international partners, sharing knowledge and best practice and creating new, sustainable partnerships for the longer term.

About the person:

QCAP is seeking a dedicated and motivated Research Fellow to contribute to the Belfast Community Research and Innovation Network (BCRIN), a collaborative initiative designed to embed research and innovation capacity within community development organisations across inner-city Belfast. The postholder will play a key role in supporting community-led research, participatory knowledge production, and co-design approaches to urban innovation, working closely with local stakeholders.

Additionally, the research fellow will contribute to QCAP’s Education, Skills, and Inclusive Innovation (ESII) work programme, particularly the development of an inclusive innovation ecosystem that supports working-class communities in shaping urban innovation projects. The role will involve engagement with resident researchers, community organisations, policymakers, and research stakeholders, ensuring that community voices are central to urban innovation discussions.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

• An upper second class honours degree (or equivalent) or a Masters degree in a social science discipline.
• Have or be about to obtain a PhD in a relevant subject.
• Experience using qualitative and/or quantitative research methods in applied research settings.
• Strong understanding of the principles of participatory research, co-design, and community-led methodologies.
• Ability to communicate research methods and findings effectively to diverse audiences, including students, community groups, and policymakers.
• Experience in delivering workshops, seminars, or training sessions related to research methods, community development, or urban innovation.
• Ability to contribute to broader management and administrative processes within a research team, academic unit, or community research initiative.
• Knowledge of urban innovation, education, place-based research, and/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 successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

This post is available for 35 months. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at httefps://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/HumanResources/pay-reward-and-benefits/

Queen's University is committed to promoting equality of opportunity to all. We subscribe to Equality Charter Marks such as the Diversity Charter Mark NI and Athena Swan and have established staff networks such as iRise (Black, Asian, Minority Ethnic and International Staff Network) and PRISM (LGBTQ+) which help us progress equality.

Advert information