Research Fellow (111155-1225)

About The Role

For informal enquiries, please contact Chris Warhurst, IER Director at c.warhurst@warwick.ac.uk

The Institute for Employment Research (IER) is seeking to appoint an outstanding Research Fellow to contribute to developing and enhancing its reputation as an internationally leading, multi-disciplinary research-only institute. It is an opportunity for a researcher who wants to make a difference to be involved in policy-relevant research. Research Fellows have the opportunity to gain experience in designing and conducting research projects and in disseminating findings. IER’s research tends to be team-based but all researchers are encouraged to develop their own research interests. Candidates with interests in any of the Institute’s diverse fields of research are encouraged to apply. IER’s research themes can be seen here: Warwick IER - Research

Flexible Working

We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.

About You

You will have a PhD or equivalent relevant research experience in the economic or social sciences. You will have established qualitative research skills, with mixed methods research experience, and some understanding of quantitative research methods. You will also have knowledge of employment and labour market research and related policy. You will have appropriate research and publications in your field and will want to publish in the highest quality academic journals. It will be advantageous to have some experience of dissemination activities with different stakeholders: academic and otherwise. You will be comfortable in a multi-disciplinary research environment and be able to undertake research both as part of a team and independently. For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

PhD Status

If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum). Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).

About The Department

IER has a strong international reputation for its research on employment and labour markets. IER is a self-funded department within the Faculty of Social Sciences at Warwick. It delivers high-quality research, externally funded by a range of public and private sector organisations and research councils, with its findings disseminated to academic, policy and practitioner communities. It has extensive engagement with government and business and civil society organisations and trade unions. IER expects and supports equality, diversity and inclusion, reflected in its Athena SWAN Bronze Award and evaluation which described “an Institute that really cares about its staff and student communities.” IER welcomes applications from all sections of the community and seeks to build a diverse and inclusive workplace. We particularly encourage applications from individuals whose perspectives and experiences are often under-represented in academic and research settings, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds, disabled people, those who have faced socio-economic disadvantage, and people with caring responsibilities. We recognise that career paths are not always linear. Applicants seeking flexible working patterns and those who have taken career breaks will be given equal consideration. Employment gaps may reflect a wide range of personal, caring or health-related circumstances and will not disadvantage applicants during selection. IER takes active steps to ensure recruitment processes are fair, accessible and transparent, and will make reasonable adjustments at all stages.

Further information about working at the University of Warwick, including information about childcare provision, career development and relocation is at https://warwick.ac.uk/services/humanresources/workinghere/.

About The University

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106 th in the world and 8th in the UK. Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent. Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.

World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025 Research Excellence Framework 2021

How to Apply

CLOSING DEADLINE: Monday 2nd February 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV Should Include

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).

Your Cover Letter Should Explain

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview. You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Start Date: Spring 2026

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

What we Offer

We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including

• An attractive pension scheme.
• 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
• Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
• Onsite childcare facilities.
• Excellent learning and development opportunities.
• We recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements.

For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion

Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply. Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick. Find out more about our awards and accreditations. We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.

Safeguarding & DBS

The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with. Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice. The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults). All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction. Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.

Job Description JD Research Fellow (11155).pdf – 265KB Opens in a new window

Right to Work in the UK

If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.