Policy Research Fellow

Full Time Fixed Term for 2 years

Interview Date: To be confirmed

The Software Sustainability Institute is looking for a talented & experienced policy research fellow to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for working with the team to conduct research into software policy and inform policymakers on the basis of this research. They will have significant access to policymakers and a key position in the development of research policy in the UK and beyond. This is a wonderful opportunity to join the SSI team when we are expanding our reach & implementing an innovative new policy programme.

The successful candidate must have a PhD or equivalent experience, a background in qualitative research, a proven record of managing multiple projects of significant complexity, as well as strong interpersonal & communication skills.

About the SSI

The Software Sustainability Institute (SSI) cultivates better, more sustainable, research software to enable world-class research (“Better software, better research”). It is the world-leading authority on research software. Based at the universities of Southampton, Edinburgh and Manchester, the SSI draws on a team of experts with a breadth of experience in software development, project and programme management, research facilitation, publicity and community engagement.

About the SRSG

The SSI is represented in Southampton by the Southampton Research Software Group (SRSG), which was one of the first Research Software Engineers (RSE) Groups set up in the UK. The SRSG was the base of operations for the first study of software-reliance in research, the campaign that helped recognise research software engineering across the world, and the Hidden REF which is changing the way that success in research is recognised.

We believe equality and diversity are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a vibrant, proud and successful organisation.  A diverse workforce, with people from different racial, educational and social backgrounds and a range of ages, opens up a wealth of possibilities for Southampton.  We particularly welcome applications from groups under-represented in the academic community.

There are a great range of benefits that includes a contributory pension scheme; holiday entitlement of 30 days plus 8 bank holidays and 6 additional holidays (closure days); subsidised health and fitness facilities on-site; cycle to work scheme; a range of discounts.  

The University holds an Athena SWAN silver award in recognition of its’ continued commitment to improving equality for women in science and engineering.  We will give due consideration to applicants that wish to work flexibly including part-time & due consideration will be given to applicants who have taken a career break. The University has a generous maternity policy*, and onsite childcare facilities.  

The position will be for two years, fixed-term contract in the first instance, but will be expected to continue for much longer dependent upon funding. 

For further information, please contact Simon Hettrick on s.hettrick@software.ac.uk.

Further details:

We believe equality, diversity & inclusion are fundamental to making the University of Southampton a welcoming, vibrant & successful organisation. Having a diverse workforce, inclusive of people of all ages and beliefs, from different racial backgrounds, educational & social backgrounds opens up a wealth of possibilities, makes us more creative and accelerates our impact on society. We welcome applicants that value diversity of our community and are willing to play their part in supporting the mission of inclusivity. 

Please note that applications from agencies will not be accepted unless indicated on the job.

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