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Research Associate (ISTEMMiCS) - Theology and Religion

Employer
University of Birmingham
Location
United Kingdom
Salary
£27,924 to £30,497
Closing date
Dec 25, 2021
Background

This is initially a 12 -month 100% FTE position for a post-doctoral Research Associate to work within a multidisciplinary research team based in the Institute for STEMM in Culture and Society (ISTEMMiCS) within the college of Arts and Law at the University of Birmingham.

The role, in the first instance, will primarily be supporting projects within the Science, Knowledge and Belief in Society Research Group, including a large-scale research networking project entitled: International Research Network for the Study of Science and Belief in Society (INSBS) - funded by the Templeton Religion Trust.

The SKBS research group is a multi-disciplinary team that conducts social scientific and humanities-based research on: the public understanding and communication of the relationship between science and religion; research into the sociology and psychology of religion; and the role of science, knowledge and beliefs in diverse societies.

The post holder will work closely with the Principal Investigators (PIs) in the co-ordination of an international network of researchers examining social and cultural perspectives on science and belief in society. The post-holder will be expected to support on all aspects of international networking activities, including contributing to the coordination of project-related websites and events, providing academic oversight of event programming and delivery (both virtual and face-to-face), and supporting research network members' participation in network activities. The post holder will also be expected to provide support to the relevant PIs to assist in research dissemination by carrying out literature reviews and assisting in the co-ordination and copy editing of network members' research outputs for collaborative research publications (e.g., special edition journals or edited collections) or for research dissemination to non-academic audiences. An interest in, and desirably experience of, undertaking research relating to the relationship between science, religion and/or non-religion in society is therefore essential to this role.

The post holder will also be expected to effectively contribute to the presentation and dissemination of research outputs, including contributing to the development of academic or non-academic publications/presentations, or parts thereof.

Summary of Role
  • To work with the Principal Investigators on the International Research Network for the Study of Science and Belief in Society, supporting the development of an international multi-disciplinary research network.
  • To undertake/support academic administration of research network events and activities, including coordination of event calls for papers/programmes/abstracts, event facilitation and supporting network members' participation.
  • To contribute to the collaborative preparation and write-up of research findings for dissemination in a variety of formats for academic and non-academic audiences both in the UK and Internationally.
  • To contribute to the wider research environment within the Science, Knowledge and Belief in Society Research Group and ISTEMMiCS

Main Duties/Responsibilities
  • Working with Principal Investigator(s) and other research staff to support the day-to-day operation and delivery of research project.
  • Providing academic coordination of events and activities, for example co-ordinating calls for papers, preparing conference abstracts booklets and event programmes and taking an active academic facilitation role in event delivery.
  • Assisting in the facilitation of project-related sessions and activities, e.g. workshop session facilitation or chairing panel discussions etc.
  • Preparing, copy-editing and uploading copy for the project website.
  • Co-ordinating calls for, preparing and copy-editing research content for collaborative dissemination to academic and non-academic audiences.
  • Conducting literature reviews and/or desk-based research as directed.
  • Analysing research data as directed.
  • Presenting research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof.
  • Providing guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research or research network activity.
  • Dealing with problems that may affect the achievement of research projects objectives and deadlines.
  • Carrying out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research project.

Person Specification
  • Holds or is close to completion of a PhD in directly relevant social sciences field (e.g. social study of science and/or religion).
  • MRes or master's in relevant social sciences field or equivalent.
  • A relevant undergraduate degree, at a minimum of a 2:1 classification or equivalent, is required.
  • Proven interest in, and desirably experience of, undertaking research relating to the relationship between science, religion and non-religion in society.
  • Proven ability to contribute to the planning, organising and delivery of research programmes or specific research project(s).
  • Experience of working to deliver research-related events and conferences, or public engagement and other impact-related activities.
  • Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment.
  • Excellent IT skills, including familiarity with maintaining and updating electronic databases, and ideally use of WordPress.
  • Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
  • An interest in, and desirably experience of, international research collaboration.
  • An interest in, and desirably experience of, working as part of a multi-disciplinary research project or team.
  • Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to develop effective working relationships with all levels of staff and external contacts.
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate with a wide range of people at all levels.
  • Ability to coordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
  • Ability to work under pressure and maintain a high degree of accuracy.
  • Ability to plan and organise a large workload to meet both internal and external deadlines.
  • Proven report writing and presentation skills.
  • Enthusiastic, with a proactive approach.
  • Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day-to-day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly.

Informal enquires to Rhys Mason-Dunn, email: R.Mason-Dunn@bham.ac.uk

Position Details
  • College of Arts and Law, Department of Theology and Religion
  • Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK
  • Full time starting salary is normally in the range £27,924 to £30,497. With potential progression once in post to £34,304 a year. As this vacancy has limited funding the maximum salary that can be offered is £27,924
  • Grade 6
  • Full Time 100% FTE
  • Fixed term contract for up to 31st January 2023
  • Closing Date: 4th January 2022

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