Surrey Black Scholars Race Equity Research Fellow

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Doctoral College
Location:  Guildford
Salary:  £36,024 to £44,263 per annum
Fixed Term (- Dec 25)
Post Type:  Full Time
Closing Date:  23.59 hours GMT on Sunday 18 February 2024
Interview Date:  Wednesday 28 February 2024
Reference:  005524

The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.

We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.  

Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.  

The role

The University offers a unique opportunity for an individual with excellent research and project management skills to join the Doctoral College. The successful applicant will plan and deliver a research programme focussed on improving race equity in postgraduate research and addressing structural inequalities in higher education.

In this role, you will work alongside colleagues within the Doctoral College, the Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion team, and the Surrey Institute of Education to deliver an exciting programme to improve access and participation for Black British postgraduate students. The programme focuses on addressing inequalities within postgraduate research and therefore someone with a strong understanding of the impact of structural inequalities within higher education would be an asset to the team. The programme aims to positively impact all stages of the postgraduate lifecycle from undergraduate pipeline to postgraduate experience and preparation for a career, therefore, experience of researching, working, or studying in postgraduate education is essential.

The post holder will take responsibility for implementing the research programme, including planning and executing programme delivery, data analysis, and evaluation. You will also contribute to pastoral support for Black British doctoral students within the Doctoral College by drawing on understanding of ethnic minority experiences, therefore lived experience of being a postgraduate from a Black or other racialised minority group in postgraduate education would bring important insight to the role.

The role will require project management skills to deliver a multicomponent programme, as well as experience in the evaluation of interventions (ideally with mixed-methods research experience from a social science background). The role will involve liaison with staff and students across the University, as well as external stakeholders and research partners.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic and pioneering Doctoral College. The Doctoral College at the University of Surrey was established in December 2016 and since has become recognised nationally for the excellent support it provides to postgraduate researchers.

About you

The ideal applicant will have:

• A PhD, or be nearing submission of their PhD, or equivalent research experience in a relevant subject, such as education, pedagogy, psychology, or social science.
• Experience of designing, conducting, analysing, and disseminating qualitative, quantitative, and/or mixed methods research
• The ability to project-manage multiple tasks and excellent project management skills
• The ability to work to deadlines, both independently and collaboratively, in a multi-disciplinary research team
• A commitment to continuous professional development.

What we can offer

In addition to your salary, you will receive pension contributions, a generous annual leave entitlement, relocation assistance where appropriate, an attractive research environment, and access to a variety of staff development opportunities. Furthermore, our benefit packages include childcare assistance and discounted membership to University sports facilities.

Further Information

To apply please submit a CV and cover letter detailing your motivation in applying for the role. You will also be asked some brief questions to help us understand your suitability for the role.

For an informal discussion prior to application, please contact: Dr Ruan Elliott ([email protected])

Interviews will take place online w/c 28th February 2024.

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all.  We place great value on diversity and are seeking to increase the diversity within our community.  Therefore we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Please note, it is University Policy to offer a starting salary equivalent to Level 3.6 (£34,980) to successful applicants who have been awarded, but are yet to receive, their PhD certificate.  Once the original PhD certificate has been submitted to the local HR Department, the salary will be increased to Level 4.1 (£36,024).