Research Associate

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Introduction

The University of York wishes to recruit a 0.5 fte, 12-month Research Associate to provide research assistance on a new project, Volunteers and Vulnerabilities: the Politics of Policing Partnerships, funded by the ESRC Vulnerability and Policing Futures Research Centre. We are looking for an excellent candidate trained in the social sciences, ideally with knowledge/expertise in either (1) critical approaches to contemporary policing and society; (2) the politics of migration and bordering; (3) critical security studies and everyday security. The post-holder will work with Dr Alex Hall (York), Dr Hannah Lewis (Sheffield) and Professor Louise Waite (Leeds).

The Volunteers and Vulnerabilities project builds from the idea that contemporary border ‘vulnerabilities’ are generating new networks of collaboration which span police, allied security agencies, civil society and the public in potentially problematic ways. While formal UK police service-managed volunteers (e.g. Special Constables, Police Support Volunteers) are well-researched, less is known about the activity and effects of these less formal networks. We will examine two case studies - 1) coastal borders and 2) modern slavery - to critically examine how border ‘vulnerability’ produces new coalitions of policing and enforcement.

You will join a vibrant postdoctoral community in the Department of Politics and International Relations. We will work to ensure that the post supports your career trajectory and that it provides professional development opportunities. The post is available from 1 July 2024 (the start date is potentially negotiable).

Role

• To conduct desk-based literature-review research under the supervision of the project leads. There may be the possibility of contributing to qualitative fieldwork (e.g. focus groups, interviews).
• To contribute to the analysis of qualitative data, including basic coding using software packages such as NVivo.
• To contribute to the analysis of quantitative data using basic, non-specialist analysis tools (e.g. Excel Spreadsheets).
• To contribute to the preparation of research publications.
• To contribute to outputs for public and policy engagement, including (but not limited to) blogs, social media content and practitioner-oriented policy briefs.
• To assist with the organisation of fieldwork, including liaison with participants and stakeholders, booking travel/accommodation etc.
• To help organise - and, where appropriate, participate in - project workshops.
• To contribute to the preparation of follow-on research funding applications.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

• (Working towards or completed a) PhD in relevant subject area (e.g., politics, sociology, human geography, anthropology, criminology, law).
• Knowledge on one or more of the substantive research themes, e.g. contemporary policing and volunteers; police and civil society responses to modern slavery; borders and ‘the everyday’.
• Knowledge of research techniques/methodologies that can contribute to the overall success of the project.
• Research expertise in an area that will complement and enhance the department’s research strategy and goals.
• Experience of conducting both independent and collaborative research.
• Experience of writing up research for publication.
• Ability to work as part of a team, and also to work independently.

Interview date: TBC

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Alex Hall (alexandra.hall@york.ac.uk)

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University.

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

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