Weekly working hours: 14.8

Contract type: Specific duration contract

Determined Duration: Extension Date: July 31, 2026

Welsh language: Uninterrupted

Changing your career and changing life

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About the role

We are seeking to appoint a post -PhD researcher very excited to work in the College of Social Politics and Crime Science at the Open University in the prison project. The successful candidate will work closely with Co -I – Dr. Isla Mason (Open University) and Dr. Natalie Booth (Bath Spa University). The job owner will use his knowledge and research skills to provide support in collecting qualitative data for a research prison project that explores the impact of pre -trial detention on both prisoners, as well as family members, partners and friends who support them in society.

A successful candidate will require strong skills in dealing with others, portal management, stakeholders and communication skills, in addition to qualitative research experience, skills and flexibility. The position holder will need to travel to different prisons in England (it is very likely to be in southern England) and Wales to maintain relationships with prison guards and to collect data with reserve prisoners and individuals who support them in society. The job owner will be asked to work remotely when processing and analyzing data and will need to undergo HMPS security permit. The appropriate training and support will be provided.

Although this role is initially a 6 -month contract, there may be an opportunity for a successful candidate to extend his contract if additional financing is achieved.

Main responsibilities

We are looking for a researcher seeking to play an effective role in the success of the research project for prisons, along with Dr. Mason and Dr. Bath in the following ways:

• He played an active role in maintaining relationships with prison guards.
• Collect data with reserve prisoners, as well as those who support them in society.
• To support the processing and analysis of the collected data.
• Maintaining communication with the participants after their participation in the research.
• Supporting the development and provision of financing offers including: working on data and influence plans, communicating with stakeholders and non -academic partners, and determining the scope of potential financing sources.

About you

necessary

• Doctorate or its equivalent in the field of crime science, social policy or similar discipline.
• Evidence of research excellence in crime science or social policy.
• Experience in qualitative research methods.
• The ability to communicate effectively and convincingly – written and personally – with a variety of individuals.
• The ability to work independently and take responsibility for the special business elements within the project, but also cooperatively as part of a small research team.
• Prepare to travel to conduct research, with the possibility of overnight.
• Approaching computer literacy and efficiency in the field of information and communication technology.
• Understanding ethics in crime science and the requirements of the general regulations for data protection.
• Commitment to equal opportunities policies and practices.
• Commitment to the values ​​of the open university.

desirable

• Experience in work inside prisons, or with the families of the prisoners.
• A busy record of publishing, especially in academic magazines.
• The ability to deal with public policy and work cooperatively with practitioners and policy makers.
• The ability to develop and maintain excellent relationships with external stakeholders, including non -academic stakeholders.
• The ability to work in research and development networks, which includes non -academic stakeholders.
• Full driver’s license and access to the car.
• Experience in contributing to preparing research bids for external financiers.
• Experience in designing, organizing or providing knowledge exchange activities.

Support with your app

If you have any questions or you need support or modifications related to your request, the recruitment process or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email Careers@open.ac.uk With the reference number of advertising.

What is for you?

At the Open University, we offer a set of advantages to appreciate and reward the wonderful work, as well as policies and flexible work that contributes to achieving a wonderful balance between work and life. Get all the details about the advantages that we provide by visiting our site Employees ’advantages page (Clicking on this link will open a new window).

Flexible work

We are open to discussions about flexible work. Whether it is a job participation, part -time, compressed hours, or any other work arrangement. Please contact us to discuss what is best for you.

The following steps in the recruitment process

An interview with a week that begins on November 10 or a week that starts on November 17, 2025.

Notice of the date of early closure

We may close this job announcement before the closing date of the published closing, where a number of requests are received. Therefore, we encourage early requests.

How to apply

To apply for this role, please provide the following documents:

• the biography
• A supportive statement of up to 1000 words provides evidence of how you meet the standards mentioned above.

You can view your make -up and application connections when logging into our recruitment system. Please check the unwanted messaging folders/random mail if you do not receive the associated email updates.

The open university is obligated to equality, diversity and inclusion, which is reflected in our mission of opening up to people, places, methods and ideas. We aim to enhance a varied and comprehensive environment so that everyone in our OU community can achieve their potential. We realize that different people hold different views, ideas, knowledge and culture, and that this difference brings great strength. We are striving to employ a variety of students and employees, and to develop their career, and in particular we encourage the requests submitted by all groups representing an incomplete representation. We also aspire to make the open university a working place for everyone through our policies, services and employee networks.