Postdoctoral Research Associate

Working at Durham University  

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a warm and friendly place to work, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other.

As one of the UK’s leading universities, Durham is an incredible place to define your career. The University is located within a beautiful historic city, home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and surrounded by stunning countryside. Our talented scholars and researchers from around the world are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.  

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world. Being a part of Durham is about more than just the success of the University, it’s also about contributing to the success of the city, county and community.

Our University Strategy is built on three pillars of research, education and wider student experience, but also on our keen sense of community and of inspiring others to achieve their potential. 

Our Purpose and Values

We want our University to be a place where people can be free to be themselves, no matter what their identity or background. Together, we celebrate difference, value one another and are each responsible for creating an inclusive community that is respectful and fair for all.

Find out more about the benefits of working at the University and what it is like to live and work in the Durham area on our Why Durham? information page.   

The Role and Department

This post will be offered on a part-time basis, fixed term contract till 31st October 2025 and the successful candidate will work at the Department of Accounting, Durham University Business School. This role can be undertaken remotely with some travel to research sites. This role is available on a part-time basis – 2.5 days per week.  The candidate will work with Dr Mercy Denedo (at the Department of Accounting, Durham University Business School) and other external collaborators - Dr Kelly Henderson (Addressing Domestic Abuse); Dr Liz Riley (Betknowmore UK); Dr Chibuzo Ejiogu (Cranfield University) and Prof Amanze Ejiogu (Sheffield Hallam University) to support the delivery of a Gambling Commission Research Grant “Supporting Victims/Survivors of Gambling Related Domestic Abuse – A focus on Women in Social Housing”. 

We are looking for a highly motivated research associate with a relevant PhD or an early career social sciences researcher working towards a doctoral qualification in domestic abuse or gambling harm intervention to work with the research team on a Gambling Commission-funded research project aimed at facilitating the development of knowledge of women’s experiences of gambling-related domestic abuse with a focus on women in social housing.  

This research project aims at exploring the intersections between harmful gambling, domestic abuse and women (including LGBTQ+ women) within a social housing context (this includes supported housing where this is provided by a housing association or local authority), and to understand the nature of support available to those who experience gambling-related DA and how they can be effectively supported  by social housing professionals to support women in social housing experiencing gambling-related DA.

The key stages involved in this project are:

1.     In-depth interviews with women about their experiences of gambling-related domestic abuse.

2.     Focus groups in 4 locations across England (Durham/Newcastle, Liverpool, London and Birmingham/Bradford).

3.     Writing up reports, and research documents for publication. In addition, the findings will inform the development of a toolkit on gambling-related domestic abuse designed to support those working in the social housing (and others) sector to tackle this issue.  

4.     Dissemination of findings to practitioners and policymakers  

The research design for this project will be co-created by the research team and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the project, with contributions duly acknowledged in any publications. The successful candidate should know how to work effectively within a team and with minimal supervision. Additionally, they will be responsible for writing up the analysis in collaboration with the research team for publication, and any contribution will be duly acknowledged. They will have the opportunity to use their initiative and creativity to identify areas for research, develop research methods and extend their research profile and portfolio.  

This post will be offered on a part-time basis, fixed term contract till 31st October 2025

Key responsibilities:

• To understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that leads to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications.
• To prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include: research sponsors, academic and non-academic audiences.
• To publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder.
• To assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• To work with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.

Communication and Networking

• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To contribute to the planning of research projects.
• Data Collection, Analysis and Research

To engage in data collection, including interviews with women about their experiences of gambling-related domestic abuse.

To conduct, collate, update and review relevant literature to support the research.

• To assist in the design, development and execution of the research project. 
• To collect, process analyse and help interpret data. 
• To assist in the preparation and production of research reports and documents. 
• To engage in appropriate and responsible storage of project data.
• Arrange and conduct one-to-one interviews in a sensitive and supportive manner.
• Determine and implement appropriate analytical techniques.
• Support in arranging and conducting focus group interviews in the research area specified and nationally (if required).
• Ensure all protocols and safeguarding procedures are followed to ensure safety of participants and researchers.

Engagement & Dissemination of findings

• Support in organizing workshops.
• Facilitate the development of learning materials and a toolkit.
• Liaise with external partners and agencies including arranging advisory group meetings, sharing information and minute taking.
• Liaise with external partners and agencies to organise and facilitate workshops and trainings to disseminate findings.
• To participate in team meetings and committees, as appropriate. 

Carry out other duties appropriate to the grade and role, as directed.

·        Abide by Durham University Research Ethics Code and Practice.

This post will be offered on a part-time basis, fixed term contract till 31st October 2025. The funding for this project is time limited and will end in October 2025. This role can be undertaken remotely with some travel to research sites. This role is available on a part-time basis – 2.5 days per week.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Working at Durham 

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: 

•    30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.  
•    The University closes between Christmas and New Year – please include or delete if not applicable. 
•    We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled  into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
•    There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. 
•    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
•    On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.
•    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
•    The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
•    Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. 
•    A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. 
•    If you are moving to Durham, we can help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools.  If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Durham University is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key component of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our Purpose and Values  and our Staff Code of Conduct.   At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all colleagues undertake activities that are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. 

We welcome and encourage applications from those who are currently under-represented in our work force, including people with disabilities and from racially minoritised ethnic groups.

If you have taken a career break or periods of leave that may have impacted on the volume and recency of your research outputs and other activities, such as maternity, adoption or parental leave, you may wish to disclose this in your application. The selection committee will take this into account when evaluating your application.

The University has been awarded the Disability Confident Employer status. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. 

Contact Information 

Department contact for academic-related enquiries 

Informal enquiries may be addressed Dr Mercy Denedo, email [email protected] ; Dr. Liz Riley (Betknowmore UK) email: [email protected] or Dr. Kelly Henderson (Addressing Domestic Abuse) email address: [email protected] Please note that applications sent directly to these email addresses will not be accepted. The application should be submitted through the Durham University recruitment link.

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application 

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email.  Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to [email protected]  

Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time.  We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).  

University contact for general queries about the recruitment process 

How to Apply  

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.  

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.  

Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online.   We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What to Submit 

All applicants are asked to submit: 

• a CV and cover letter which details your experience, skills, and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below

Next Steps 

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department.  The assessment for the post will normally include [a presentation followed by an interview] and we anticipate that the assessments and interviews will take place over two days in December. 

In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. 

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement https://www.durham.ac.uk/about-us/governance/information-governance/privacy-notices/privacy-notices/job-applicants/ which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.   

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria:

Qualifications

1. A PhD (or be close to submission) or an early career social sciences researcher working towards a doctoral qualification in domestic abuse or gambling harm intervention or a related subject.

Experience

2.     Experience in conducting high quality academic research.

3.     Demonstrated experience of recruiting and interviewing research participants.

4.     Experience in conducting qualitative research, coding and analysing qualitative research.

5.     Experience in disseminating findings to a wide range of audiences, particularly audiences beyond academia

6.     Demonstrable ability to write prepare research materials for academic journals, conferences and reports for practitioners.

7.     Demonstrable ability to present research papers at conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.

8.     Understanding of working with people in a sensitive environment

Skills

9.     Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.

10.     Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines.

11.     Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

12.     Ability to manage time effectively and work to strict deadlines.

Experience

13.   A PhD (or be close to submission) in in domestic abuse or gambling harm intervention or a related subject.

14.   Strong publication record in peer-reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.

15.   A track record of presenting research at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career.

16.   Demonstrable experience of recruiting and interviewing research participants.

17.   Experience in conducting qualitative research, coding and analysing research using NVivo.

18.   Ability to liaise and work directly with a range of stakeholders.

Skills

19.     Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.