Research Fellow in Evaluation and Impact

Be part of the world-renowned WorldPop Group at the University of Southampton, a global top 100 university (QS World Rankings 2024). WorldPop is an award winning, interdisciplinary applied research group; a multi-sectoral team of researchers, data analysts and project specialists working on producing data on population distributions and characteristics at high spatial resolution.     

We are looking for an experienced, self-motivated, and dynamic researcher with a track-record working and publishing in the field of evidence-informed policymaking and/or related programmatic domains. The postholder will work with the Deputy Director for Research to conduct a series of in-depth academic studies on data use, uptake and impact which critically evaluate the role of population data within national data ecosystems and Worldpop’s contribution to advancing gridded population data estimates. The postholder will also conduct other related research on data and evidence ecosystems, as required and relevant to Worldpop activities.   

In support of WorldPop’s programmatic objectives, the postholder will also work to support internal programmatic monitoring and evaluation, developing a new organisational M&E strategy for our country-operations, which considers the short, medium and long-term impact of WorldPop engagements and supports ongoing internal reflection and learning.   

The postholder will engage with a range of WorldPop’s external partners and stakeholders across countries, statistical offices, international agencies and Ministerial teams. This role would suit someone with a highly professional approach and a strong track record working collaboratively across international teams and organisations.   

Applicants should have a PhD or equivalent professional research-related experience in the fields of development, developmental geographies, statistics and/or demography, public policy, political science and/or other relevant social science disciplines. They should have clear evidence of qualitative and quantitative methodological training, with familiarity conducting independent primary fieldwork.   

As well as joining the vibrant and well-connected WorldPop team based at the School of Geography and Environmental Science, you will have opportunities to join various Communities of Practice (CoP) to connect and share learning with colleagues from other departments, schools, and faculties.       

The appointment will commence as soon as possible and  is funded until 31 December 2027.   

The University of Southampton offers excellent benefits that will make your life easier, including a generous holiday allowance of 30 days, 6 additional university closure days plus public holidays. We will support your long-term future too, with access to a generous pension scheme with Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), subsidised health and fitness facilities and a range of discounts.   

The School of Geography and Environmental Science is committed to fostering a culture of equality, diversity and inclusion https://www.southampton.ac.uk/geography/about/equality-diversity-and-inclusion.page].  

We welcome applications from suitably qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from candidates belonging to groups who are under-represented within academic posts at the University, including, but not limited to: people from Black and minority ethnic groups; women and disabled people. The School is committed to providing equal opportunities for all and offers a range of family friendly policies, flexitime and flexible working. We are a Disability Confident employer and the School holds a bronze Athena SWAN award.   

For a full list of the role tasks and responsibilities, please see the attached Job Description & Person Specification.   

Informal enquiries may be made to Sada Saxton (s.saxton@soton.ac.uk) and/or Jessica Espey (j.m.espey@soton.ac.uk)

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