Research Fellow in Penal Supervision in Comparative Context (fixed term)

View All Vacancies
Sociology & Social Policy
Location:  University Park
Salary:  £33,966 to £42,978 per annum, depending on skills and experience.
Closing Date:  Tuesday 26 March 2024
Reference:  SOC053624

This is a maternity cover role for the period 28th March 2024 to 27th March 2025 and involves working as part of a team on a three-year project funded by the Leverhulme Trust entitled: Penal Supervision in Comparative Context. The scale, diversity and intensity of penal supervision has greatly increased in recent years, leading to suggestions that we have entered an era of ‘mass supervision’. Three times as many people are supervised as are imprisoned, yet there have been few in-depth attempts to understand the nature of supervision and its growth. This comparative research will explore supervision in situ across five nations (England, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, Scotland, and Wales). Using innovative methods, the study will generate crucial knowledge about how supervision is experienced, practiced and governed, and the socio-political conditions that influence its forms and its development. Based at the University of Nottingham, you will be one of two Post-Doctoral Researchers working on the project, in a role which will involve data collection including mobile ethnographic methods, research interviews and the production of research outputs. We are committed to providing an inclusive research environment and to supporting the career development of post-doctoral researchers working on the project. As part of the project team, you will work directly with Professor Nicola Carr, University of Nottingham and closely with other members of the project team. 

We are looking for a motivated, highly qualified individual with a PhD in a relevant social science discipline (e.g. criminology, law, social work, social policy, sociology, anthropology or politics) who will join our research team to explore penal supervision in comparative contexts. You will have excellent communication skills, and demonstrable experience of carrying out research. Experience of mobile digital ethnographic methods and/or documentary/policy analysis are desirable, as is experience of conducting research with people involved in the criminal justice system. You should have experience of data analysis and an ability to work independently and as part of a team. Familiarity with the substantive research topic (comparative criminology, penal supervision) is also desirable.  

We actively encourage people from racially minoritised backgrounds to apply. The school is determined to provide a diverse and inclusive environment for staff and students, drawing on the widest possible range of talents and backgrounds.

This is a full-time (36.25 hours), fixed-term post to 27th March 2025. Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Nicola Carr or email [email protected]. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Further details:

View Additional Information (this will open a new window)

Our university is a supportive, inclusive, caring and positive community. We welcome those of different cultures, ethnicities and beliefs – indeed this very diversity is vital to our success, it is fundamental to our values and enriches life on campus. Learn more about the university commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion .

We are delighted to share that we are the first university to have achieved Athena Swan Gold Award .

We want you to succeed in our recruitment process and have published Candidate Guidance for you to access information and support on application and interview process.

We offer a range of benefits, visit Your Benefits website to learn what we can offer you.

We welcome applications from UK, Europe and from across the globe and we want to make your transition to living in the UK as smooth as possible. Visit the Moving to Nottingham page to find out more.

Your application will be considered on an equal basis, subject to the relevant permission to work in the UK as set out by UK Visas & Immigration .