Postdoctoral Research Associate

Contract Type: Fixed Term (9 months)

Interview Date: Monday 22 June 2026

This PDRA role is to work as part of a team on the externally funded research project, “Policing Systems to Support LGBT Victims of Hate Crime: Understanding Challenges and Developing Best Practice”, led by Prof. Mark McCormack and Dr. Nicci MacLeod. 

LGBT victims of hate crime report negative experiences of the police. This project uses innovative social science methods to produce evidence-based understanding of why this is the case, and develop best-practice guidance and bespoke training to improve police response to LGBT hate crimes and improve relations with the LGBT community. 

The PDRA role will be to work on the sociological aspect of the project and use qualitative methodologies to identify key challenges in supporting LGBT victims of hate crime. The candidate will work closely with the Policing partner, West Yorkshire Police, and the role will include conducting interviews, preliminary analysis of qualitative interview data, relevant literature search and review and other activities outlined in the job description. 

Applicants should have a PhD in sociology or closely related discipline, demonstrable experience of qualitative interviews, and experience of working in area of LGBT or sexualities issues, or working with the police. 

What we offer:

• Aston University is a dynamic and vibrant campus located within Birmingham city centre, which has excellent transport links via bus or train.
• Excellent training and development opportunities.
• A generous annual leave scheme with 30 days bookable leave and a further 13 days bank holiday and University Closure days.
• Everyday discounts to a number of activities and retailers.
• Great family friendly policies.
• On site gym and pool with discounted staff membership available
• Further information on our Benefits and Rewards can be found here.

This role is likely to qualify for endorsement under the Endorsed Funder route of the Global Talent visa. This visa is for talented or promising individuals in academia or research in fields such as science, engineering, medicine, social sciences, or humanities.

See the Home Office guidance: https://www.gov.uk/global-talent

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