Research Fellow- Caring to survive

Location: Sighthill, Edinburgh (with international collaboration)

About the Project

Caring to Survive examines how people with disabilities navigate conflict-affected environments, with a particular focus on informal care networks and lived experiences in Ukraine.

The project uses a mix of social science and creative, arts-based methods, working with participants and communities in sensitive and meaningful ways. It brings together leading academic and practitioner partners to influence policy, practice, and public understanding.

The Role

We have an exciting opportunity to join Edinburgh Napier University as a Research Fellow (Research & Innovation Associate) on the Caring to Survive project—an impactful international research initiative exploring how conflict shapes the lives of people with disabilities.

Working closely with the Project Lead and partners across the UK and Ukraine, you will play a central role in delivering this innovative and socially impactful project. The role spans the full research lifecycle—from coordinating complex data collection and managing research data, through to analysis, publications, and dissemination, all while ensuring all data is handled securely and in line with ethical and regulatory requirements.

Alongside this, the role holder will contribute directly to qualitative and quantitative analysis, helping to translate findings into high-quality academic publications and policy outputs. They will also support dissemination and impact activity, including events, digital content and engagement with academic and non-academic audiences, working collaboratively with the Project Lead and wider partnership to ensure the research delivers meaningful and accessible outcomes

You will be based in Edinburgh and work closely with a Kyiv-based Research & Innovation Associate, as well as collaborators at Queen Mary University of London and other partner organisations.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a motivated and collaborative researcher with a passion for impactful social research.

Essential

• PhD (or near completion) in a relevant social science discipline
• Proficiency in Ukrainian, with the ability to work with Ukrainian-language data and collaborators
• Experience of qualitative research methods (e.g. interviews, focus groups)
• Experience of managing research data (storage, anonymisation, compliance)
• Strong written communication skills with experience contributing to publications or reports
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary, international team  
• Understanding of research ethics, data protection, and GDPR in a research context

Desirable

• Experience of quantitative methods or survey design
• Experience of participatory or arts-based research
• Knowledge of disability, migration, or conflict-related research
• Experience working with vulnerable or marginalised groups

Benefits:

28 hrs per week

46 days annual leave

Generous pension scheme

Additional Information:

To help us assess your suitability for this role, please submit the following as part of your application: 1–2 examples of your written work (e.g. academic publications, research reports, or other relevant outputs)

Early applications are encouraged

Interviews: Week of 6^th of July

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