Research Associate; Experimental Methods

We are seeking a Research Associate in Experimental Methods to lead a programme of research and capacity building within the Brunel Centre, alongside the UKRI-funded From the Centre to the Periphery project team based in the Department of Education.

The post represents an outstanding and exciting opportunity for an early career scholar who wishes to establish themselves as a future leader in experimental social science research.

You will be responsible for promoting the awareness and knowledge of experimental methodologies across the West of England and beyond – visiting partners to give talks and meeting with stakeholders. A major part of this work will be implementing the Brunel Experimental Methods Academy (BEMA) – a capacity building initiative that aims to bolster the awareness, knowledge and expertise in experimental research methodologies of those working in industry and public policy across the West of England and beyond.

This includes recruiting interested parties to BEMA, designing and running the training elements of the Academy, and maintaining online presence and resources.

Alongside this important capacity building activity, you will work with academics in the Brunel Centre to develop research proposals using experimental methodological designs. Working with colleagues appointed to such bids, and the wider academic team, you will be expected to publish from this funded research in relevant leading academic journals, including methodological publications.

From the Centre to the Periphery project aims to develop the policy solutions that are needed to close gaps in education and skills across the UK to ensure opportunity is not constrained by geography.

It adopts a quasi-experimental methodological research design, that includes both large-scale analysis of Linked Educational Outcomes (LEO) data with qualitative case study research across 12 locations in England. The work is funded by the UKRI Trial Accelerator Fund (TAF).

The UKRI Creating Opportunities Trial Accelerator Fund is aimed at enabling the research and innovation community to test interventions that will spread opportunities and reduce spatial disparities in economic, health and social outcomes for people and places across the UK.

Whilst part of the wider project team, you will sit within the Brunel Centre. The Brunel Centre is a new research and insight hub launched by the University of Bath, University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) and Futures West, with £4.5 million in funding from Research England. It provides independent, real-time, open-access data for and about the West of England economy, helping businesses, investors, and policymakers make better decisions across areas such as productivity, skills, innovation, trade and investment.

The successful applicant will be passionate about experimental methodologies in social science research, especially that which produces evidence that is impactful on public policy.

• Skilled in communicating complex experimental methods in an easily accessible way to promote the uptake and use of these methodologies in the wider scientific community.
• Supported by experts in experimental methodologies based in the Brunel Centre and academics from the Universities of Bath, Durham and Bristol who are part of the project team.

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

For an informal discussion about the role please contact Michael Donnelly, Professor of Education and Social Policy at

£38,784 rising to £46,049 pro rata. Grade 7