Post Doctoral Research Associate - Prison Project

Weekly Working Hours: 14.8

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Fixed Term Contract: End Date: 31 July 2026

Welsh Language: Not Applicable

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About the Role

We are seeking to appoint a highly motivated Post-Doctoral Research Associate to work in the School of Social Policy and Criminology at The Open University on a prison project. The successful candidate will work closely with both CO-I’s - Dr Isla Masson (Open University) and Dr Natalie Booth (Bath Spa University). The post holder will use their research knowledge and skills to provide support with the qualitative data collection for a research prison project exploring the impact of remand custody on both those incarcerated, as well as family members, partners and friends supporting them in the community.

The successful candidate will require strong interpersonal, gatekeeper and stakeholder management and communication skills, in addition to qualitative research experience and skills and flexibility. The post holder will need to travel to different prison locations in England (very likely to be in the South of England) and Wales to maintain relationships with prison gatekeepers and to collect data with remand prisoners and individuals supporting them in the community. The postholder will be required to work remotely when processing and analysing the data and will need to undergo HMPPS security clearance. Relevant training and support will be made available.

Although this role is initially only a 6 months duration contract, there may be the opportunity for the successful candidate to have their contract extended if additional funding is achieved.

Key Responsibilities

We are looking for a researcher seeking to play an active part in making the prison research project a success alongside Dr Masson and Dr Booth in the following ways:

• Play an active part in maintaining relationships with prison gatekeepers.
• To collect data with those incarcerated on remand, as well as those supporting them in the community.
• To support with processing and analysis of collected data.
• To maintain contact with participants after they have taken part in the research.
• Support the development and submission of funding bids including: working on data and impact plans, networking with non-academic stakeholders and partners, and scoping of potential funding sources.

About You

Essential

• A PhD or equivalent in an area of Criminology or Social Policy or cognate discipline.
• Evidence of research excellence in Criminology or Social Policy.
• Expertise in qualitative research methods.
• Ability to communicate effectively and persuasively – in writing and in person – with a diverse range of individuals.
• Capable of working independently and taking responsibility for own elements of work within the project, but also collaboratively as part of a small research team.
• Willingness to travel to carry out research, with potential overnight stays.
• Computer literacy and ICT competence.
• Understandings of ethics in Criminology and GDPR requirements.
• A commitment to equal opportunities policies and practices.
• A commitment to Open University values.

Desirable

• Experience of working in prison, or with prisoner’s families.
• An existing track record of publication, particularly in academic journals.
• A proven ability of engaging with public policy and work collaboratively with practitioners and policy makers.
• Ability to develop and maintain excellent relationships with external stakeholders, including non-academic stakeholders.
• Ability to work within, and develop, research networks that include non-academic stakeholders.
• A full driving licence and access to a car.
• Experience of contributing to the preparation of research bids to external funders.
• Experience of designing, organising or delivering knowledge exchange activities.

Support with your application

If you have any questions, or need support or adjustments relating to your application, the recruitment process, or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.

What's in it for you?

At The Open University, we offer a range of benefits to recognise and reward great work, alongside policies and flexible working that contribute towards a great work life balance. Get all the details of what benefits we offer by visiting our Staff Benefits page (clicking this link will open a new window).

Flexible working

We are open to discussions about flexible working. Whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what works best for you.

Next steps in the Recruitment process

Interviews are likely to be held in the week commencing 10th November or the week commencing 17th November 2025.

Early closing date notification

We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.

How to apply

To apply for this role please submit the following document(s):

• CV
• Supporting statement of up to 1000 words providing evidence of how you meet the criteria listed above. 

You can view your progress and application communications when you are logged into our recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folders if you do not receive associated email updates.

The Open University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion which is reflected in our mission to be open to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to foster a diverse and inclusive environment so that all in our OU community can reach their potential. We recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We strive to recruit, retain and develop the careers of a diverse pool of students and staff, and particularly encourage applications from all underrepresented groups. We also aspire to make The Open University a supportive workplace for all through our policies, services and staff networks.