Research Fellow in Public Policy and Value - Westlakes Campus

By joining the University of Lancashire, you’ll become part of a thriving community of talent that’s united by a shared vision – to transform the lives of our students and create prosperity and opportunity in the communities we serve. Every colleague has a vital role to play in helping us achieve this vision.

Our picturesque Westlakes Campus is based on the Westlakes Science and Technology Park in West Cumbria, just three miles from Whitehaven. Westlakes is a beautiful place to work. And when you’re not hard at work, you’ll have some of the country’s most beautiful and dramatic landscapes on your doorstep, just waiting to be explored – from the Lake District to the Solway Coast. 

You’re within easy reach of the many restaurants, bars, supermarkets, high street stores and medical centres in nearby Whitehaven, which you can easily reach by public transport. Whitehaven also offers live music venues and a theatre. The nearby Lake District, England’s largest national park, offers endless opportunities for adventure, including hiking, watersports or just soaking up the breathtaking scenery.

About the role:

We are looking for a Research Fellow in Public Policy and Value who will work within an interdisciplinary team based at our Westlakes campus in West Cumbria. The post holder will be involved in the development and application of high impact outcome-orientated research, teaching, publication, and knowledge transfer, engaging with collaborating organisations in public, private and social sectors and disseminating at regional, national and international levels. 

This is a unique opportunity to undertake a highly career-relevant job in a wider, applied setting and be centrally involved in the design and implementation of an integrated research, dissemination and knowledge transfer programme in public policy and value as a member of one of the UKs largest universities.

It has been created as part of a major investment Westlakes Research Limited, who are jointly developing an applied research initiative with University. Within this academic area the University’s connections with policy and practitioner organisations will embed the researcher in powerful networks and give privileged access to original data and a publication programme relevant to public policy and value.

About you:

You should have substantial experience of research in appropriate settings demonstrated by a record of involvement in and responsibility for research management and related activities on several research/evaluation-based projects. Experience should be reinforced by an awareness of current academic and policy debates associated with the subject area or in cognate fields. You should also have a PhD in a relevant discipline.

The successful applicant will possess excellent oral communication, academic writing and IT skills. A flexible and enthusiastic approach to work combined with an ability to work independently and as part of a team to achieve work targets are also essential skills for success in these posts.

Applicants need to meet all essential criteria on the person specification to be considered for interview. 
 This position is based full-time on site at the University’s campus on Westlakes Science and Technology Park near Whitehaven in West Cumberland. We would strongly recommend that any interested candidates visit the campus before application to fully appreciate the location and surroundings. Alternatively, an informal conversation regarding the working arrangements with Rick Wylie would be strongly encouraged.

What we can offer you:

Our people are our most important asset. We’ll encourage you to make the most of your talents and continually develop your skills and knowledge. As well as realising your career ambitions, you’ll be making a positive difference to other people’s lives. We also offer a fantastic package of rewards and lifestyle benefits – from an attractive annual leave entitlement to access to a comprehensive employee benefits platform.

We are proud to be a diverse, multicultural university. We are committed to building a truly inclusive culture where diversity is championed. Applications are particularly welcomed from individuals who will support the diversification within the University and support its development of a culture that is inclusive and welcoming to all.

The University is committed to providing a safe environment to study, work and visit, protecting children, young people and adults at risk from harm and abuse. Our safeguarding policy and safer recruitment procedure outlines our approach, alongside other internal policies, procedures and guidance which can be found on our Safeguarding page.

Applicants applying for roles in regulated activity and that are listed as an exception under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 will be required to disclose any spent and unspent convictions and undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Check at the appropriate level, the University will only ask an applicant to make an application for a DBS check if they are legally entitled to.

Where opportunity creates success.