Postdoctoral Research Associate (Research Fellow in Criminology and Contextual Safeguarding)

Overview Postdoctoral Research Associate (Research Fellow in Criminology and Contextual Safeguarding). The postholder will join the Global Centre for Contextual Safeguarding (GCCS) team and be structurally embedded within the Criminology team of the Sociology Department. The role is aimed at advancing interdisciplinary research that connects criminology with contextual safeguarding and related themes. Key Responsibilities Demonstrate progress towards independent development of internationally excellent research/scholarship related to Contextual Safeguarding and associated areas of criminological inquiry, including youth justice, policing, exploitation, social harm, victimisation, inequality, disability/neurodiversity, and related fields. Work with GCCS Senior Leadership to develop clear plans for the pursuit of national and international funding opportunities to support research / scholarship and end‑user engagement. Understand and convey material of a specialist or highly technical nature to the team or group of people through presentations and discussions that lead to the presentation of research papers in conferences and publications. Prepare and deliver presentations on research outputs/activities to audiences which may include research sponsors, academic and non‑academic audiences. Publish high quality outputs, including papers for submission to peer‑reviewed journals and papers for presentation at conferences and workshops under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder. Assist with the development of research objectives and proposals. Conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder. Work with the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder and other colleagues in the research group, as appropriate, to identify areas for research, develop new research methods and extend the research portfolio. Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant‑holder and offering creative or innovative solutions. Liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration. Plan and manage own research activity, research resources in collaboration with others and contribute to the planning of research projects. Deliver training in research techniques/approaches to peers, visitors and students as appropriate. Be involved in student supervision, as appropriate, and assist with the assessment of the knowledge of students. Contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. Engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline. Engage in continuing professional development by participation in the undergraduate or postgraduate teaching programmes or by membership of departmental committees, etc. and by attending relevant training and development courses. Qualifications A good first degree in Criminology or related subject (2:1 or higher). A PhD (or be close to submission) in Criminology or a related subject, or equivalent demonstrable practitioner experience which may include appropriate certification and / or membership of a relevant professional body. Experience Experience in conducting high quality academic research in the field of Criminology or a related subject. Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly‑ranked journals. Demonstrable ability to present research papers at national conferences and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community. Experience of working with criminal justice systems, safeguarding, policing, and justice‑involved people, alongside experience of conducting applied criminological research with policy and practice relevance. Experience of mixed methods research involving qualitative and quantitative methodologies. Skills Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings. Ability to work independently on own initiative and to strict deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. An interest in Contextual Safeguarding, extra‑familial harm and / or Risk Outside the Home. Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research. Disability and Equality Statement We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions, and we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the recruitment and interview process where reasonable, and, where successful, adjustments will be made to support people within their role. #J-18808-Ljbffr Durham University