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Research Fellow (fixed term, multiple posts)

Sociology & Social Policy

We're recruiting 2 full time Research Fellows to support Stephen Farrall and Jason Warr’s Leverhulme Trust-funded research. We strongly encourage people from racially minoritized and underrepresented groups to apply, since we are seeking to build a research team which reflects the communities being studied. The School and the University more widely is determined to provide a diverse and inclusive environment for staff and students which draws on the widest possible range of talents and backgrounds.

The research aim is to understand the different processes which may be involved in why and how people cease offending (“desist”) for people from three ethnic groups living in one city (most probably Leeds). The project will explore and contribute to the following research themes:

• How processes of desistance vary by ethnicity
• Role of religion in desistance
• Role of local culture in shaping desistance processes
• Geography of desistance
• Role of probation supervision in desistance.

Studies of desistance from crime (the processes by which individuals cease committing crimes) have progressed enormously in recent years with implications for theories and policy work. However, we still know little about the processes by which individuals from minority ethnic and racialised groups stop offending, and this project will establish a study of these processes whereby some of the UK’s most numerous ethnic minority groups cease offending. We aim to interview:

• 40-50 British Asian people
• 40-50 Black British/Caribbean
• 40-50 White British people

Strong theoretical, empirical research and writing skills are essential. Successful applicants will have experience in one or more of the following areas:

• An understanding of literature and explanations relating to desistance from crime, especially as it relates to the criminal justice system and ethnicity
• An understanding of debates and research relating to any aspect of ethnicity and related fields
• An understanding of the processes of resettlement in the community whilst being supervised by the probation service
• Qualitative 1-1 interviewing experience (including data collection, analysis, write up)
• Research experience within criminal justice settings (including, but not limited to ONE of the following: prisons, 3rd sector bodies, community disposals) OR recent experience of researching ethnicity
• Excellent organisational skills.

The applicant should be able to work as part of a team, but also to work unsupervised where necessary. The role also involves literature searching, maintaining excellent relationships with external partners, summarising findings, and contributing where necessary to the final report.

Both roles are offered on a fixed-term contract until 28 February 2027. Hours of work are full-time (36.25 hours per week); however, applications are welcome from candidates wishing to work part-time (minimum 18.25 hours per week). Please specify in your application if you wish to work part-time and the number of preferred hours. Job share arrangements may also be considered.

Requests for secondment from internal candidates may be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Stephen Farrall, by email, at Stephen.Farrall@nottingham.ac.uk. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.

Further details:

• Job Description/Role Profile

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