Research Associate (on the Postdoctoral Fellowship Track)

Department
The Older Adults’ Social Care Research Group (OSCaR) is seeking an outstanding full-time Postdoctoral Researcher for a 20-month fellowship. OSCaR brings together a vibrant multidisciplinary team with established strengths in the adult social care workforce, dementia, and occupational therapy in social care. We offer an exceptional intellectual environment that fosters collaborative, high-impact research to address pressing contemporary challenges. We welcome applicants whose expertise complements and expands our existing research areas with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches.

Role
As a research Associate on the postdoctoral fellowship track, you will lead an ambitious, independent program of research while contributing to OSCaR’s broader initiatives. This unique post grants significant autonomy to shape your own research agenda and professional development, backed by a dedicated budget of up to £30,000 to support project delivery, training, and strategic collaborations. As part of your application, we ask you to submit a proposal of your research and training, over the 20-month period, with your outline costings. Your proposal should align with either adult social care workforce, dementia, and occupational therapy in social care.

Working under the guidance of senior colleagues, your key responsibilities will include:

• Research & Dissemination: Designing and conducting independent and collaborative research, analysing complex data using appropriate methodologies, and publishing findings in high-impact journals. You will present work at conferences and participate in public outreach.
• Proposal & Project Development: Identifying innovative research avenues, drafting proposals, and contributing to external funding proposals to expand the group's research portfolio.
• Administration & Networking: Establishing strong internal and external cross-institutional networks, contributing to project administration (including digital channel management and website updates), and maintaining strict adherence to University Health, Safety & Emergency Procedures.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications Needed
Qualifications & Knowledge

• PhD (or equivalent experience) and an undergraduate degree in a subject aligned with health, social care, or the social sciences.
• Applied knowledge of social care research, advanced methodologies, and a clear vision to enhance the department’s strategic goals.

Skills & Experience

• Ability to develop research objectives, projects and proposals for own and joint research.
• Competency to conduct individual and collaborative research projects.
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide-ranging audience, both orally and in writing, using a range of media.

Personal Attributes

• Highly proactive, organized, and capable of prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.
• Enthusiastic team player with a strong collaborative ethos, attention to detail, and commitment to ongoing professional development.

Interview date: to be confirmed.

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Phillip Whitehead on phillip.whitehead@york.ac.uk.

Condition of employment
This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, all applicants will be asked to declare both unspent and spent convictions on their application form.

Appointment of the successful candidate will be conditional on a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

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

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview. Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.