Job Description

The Post

We are seeking to recruit a Research Fellow for the Centre for Collaboration in Community Connectedness (C4) to work alongside our Community Catapult Partner (Clackmannanshire Third Sector Interface) as an embedded researcher, leading and taking forward an ambitious programme of community research and engagement based on the principles of co-production.



The C4 Centre for Collaboration in Community Connectedness (C4) is a 10 million initiative, led by the Centre for Regional Economic and Social Research (CRESR) at Sheffield Hallam University, with the University of Stirling as a key partner. The Centre is funded by the Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) and brings together researchers from a wide range of academic disciplines who will work closely with non-academic partners including policy makers, charities, and community practitioners. It will embed its work in five communities across the UK, including Clackmannanshire, to explore how different factors help or hinder participation and connectedness in different places.



The position requires strong teamwork and communication skills, reliability, attention to detail, effective time management, and the ability to work independently under the supervision of project and line managers.



The role will include:


Leading on the co-design and co-delivery of innovative new research projects on a broad range of topics Building the qualitative and quantitative research skills and capacity of community organisations and residents to enable them to play an active role in the C4 research programme Supporting residents and community organisations to participate in an engage with all aspects of the research process, ensuring equity and parity of esteem Working collaboratively with researchers and partners across C4, including in the other Community Catapult neighbourhoods The production of reports and other research outputs to meet the evidence needs of a diverse range of stakeholders (community, public sector, academic)

Alongside the delivery of research activities for C4, you will be supported to enhance your own academic career. The support that you will receive will include but is not limited to: time for the writing of academic outputs, allocated time for wider academic activities, and support via a mentor as well as your line manager.



This centre is supported by UKRI through its creating opportunities, improving outcomes theme, one of five UKRI-wide initiatives aiming to harness the full power of the UK's research and innovation system to tackle large-scale, complex challenges. Through a five-year strategy, 'Transforming Tomorrow Together', UKRI aims to harness the full power of the UK's research and innovation system to tackle large-scale, complex challenges. To do this, UKRI is investing 185 million in five strategic themes which will continue tackling existential threats to humanity by encouraging new ways of working across disciplines.



Informal enquires can be made to Professor Peter Matthews peter.matthews@stir.ac.uk

Description of Duties

Leading on the co-design and co-delivery of innovative new research projects on a broad range of topics Building the qualitative and quantitative research skills and capacity of community organisations and residents to enable them to play an active role in the C4 research programme Supporting residents and community organisations to participate in an engage with all aspects of the research process, ensuring equity and parity of esteem Working collaboratively with researchers and partners across C4, including in the other Community Catapult neighbourhoods The production of reports and other research outputs to meet the evidence needs of a diverse range of stakeholders (community, public sector, academic) Leading small research projects within C4 including setting the objectives of the project, leading the team and managing the work of junior or temporary staff (including community members) Developing research objectives and proposals for own and collaborative research Writing literature reviews to establish the latest research in the field Collecting data using a range of suitable techniques Analysing primary and secondary data gathered through a variety of methods Continually updating knowledge and understanding in field or specialism Contributing to the development of ad hoc grant applications and project / consultancy bid writing related to C4 Maintaining good relationships with C4 partners and wider stakeholders, updating them on findings and progress Input to promoting the work of the C4 and identifying future opportunities related to C4, as required

Essential Criteria

Doctorate (or working towards) in a relevant discipline (or equivalent) or equivalent research experience Knowledge of community interventions, social capital and connectedness, and related current UK policy issues Experience in research on, or with, communities or local community organisation Experience of report writing and contributing to research outputs, including presentations, reports and creative community facing outputs Experience of academic publication, including conference papers, journal papers Ability to work effectively both independently and collaboratively, both on projects and as part of a team Interpersonal and communication skills to manage relations with a variety of stakeholders internal and external to the university Ability to analyse evidence, drawing out key themes and conclusions Ability to undertake and document all key stages in research to ensure high quality analysis Ability to undertake a range of research support tasks, including literature reviews, preparation of presentations, contribution to report writing, and contribution to funding bids Ability to concisely and effectively present findings orally and in writing Experience of managing small project teams and resources Has a developing academic or policy/practice research profile in a specialist area

Desirable Criteria

Postgraduate degree with research dissertation or equivalent research experience Experience of supporting bid writing /external funding Experience and knowledge of techniques relating to co-production and/or community engagement and involvement

Additional Information

Full time

Fixed term for 4 years



The closing date for applications is midnight on Wednesday 09 July 2025.

Interviews are expected to take place on the week commencing 04 August 2025.



There is an expectation that work will be undertaken in the UK.


This role may require a membership of the PVG scheme. An offer of employment will be subject to a satisfactory outcome of this process.



For the purposes of sponsorship, this role may be eligible for sponsorship depending

on candidate circumstances and is a postdoctoral role under SOC code 2119.



The University of Stirling recognises that a diverse workforce benefits and enriches the work, learning and research experiences of the entire campus and greater community. We are committed to removing barriers and welcome applications from those who would contribute to further diversification of our staff and ensure that equality, diversity and inclusion is woven into the substance of the role. We strongly encourage applications from people from diverse backgrounds including gender, identity, race, age, class, and ethnicity.

Behaviours and Competencies

The role holder will be required to evidence that they can meet the qualities associated with the following behavioural competencies, as detailed within the AUA Competency Framework.

Managing self and personal skills

Being aware of your own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly.

Delivering excellent service

Providing the best quality service to external and internal clients. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up service standards.

Finding solutions

Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.

Embracing change

Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.

Using resources effectively

Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.

Engaging with the wider context

Enhancing your contribution to the organisation through an understanding of the bigger picture and showing commitment to organisational values.

Developing self and others

Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.

Working together

Working collaboratively with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.

Achieving Results

Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.

The University

The University of Stirling is committed to providing education with a purpose and carrying out research which has a positive impact on communities across the globe. Driven by our mission to be the difference, we are addressing real issues, providing solutions, and helping to shape society.



The University has more than 17,500 students globally and employs 1,800 staff, with more than 140 nationalities represented within our community. Our campus environment is ranked first in the UK and top 10 in the world, and our sports facilities rank first in the UK and second in the world (International Student Barometer 2024, wave two), reflecting our long-standing designation as Scotland's University for Sporting Excellence.



We were shortlisted for University of the Year 2024 at the Times Higher Education Awards and are proud holders of a Silver institutional award from the Athena Swan Charter, in recognition of our commitment to advancing gender equality. We have an overall five-star rating in the QS Stars University Ratings and are ranked top 30 in the UK for postgraduate teaching and learning (Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey 2024). In recognition of our excellence in business education, we are accredited by AACSB International.



Eighty-seven per cent of our research has an outstanding or very considerable impact on society, with more than 80% rated either world leading or internationally excellent (Research Excellence Framework 2021), and we are ranked among the top 100 institutions in the world for our contribution to meeting 10 of the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals. We have twice been recognised with a Queen's Anniversary Prize; for our Institute for Social Marketing and Health (2014) and our Institute of Aquaculture (2019).



Alongside partners, the University spearheads the 214 million Stirling and Clackmannanshire City Region Deal - which will deliver three major University-led projects: the National Aquaculture Technology and Innovation Hub, Scotland's International Environment Centre, and the Intergenerational Living Innovation Hub. We are also a central partner in the Forth Valley University College Health Partnership.

www.stir.ac.uk

Job Reference: FAC02045