Postdoctoral Research Associate - Management - Smart and Scale

Job Summary

Postdoctoral Research Associate – Management – Smart and Scale (Job Number: ). Department of Management and Marketing. Fixed‑term Full‑time role (15 months), commencing July 2026.

We welcome applications from candidates with disabilities, neurodiversity and long‑term health conditions and are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. Adjustments will be made where reasonable and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

• 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 Grant‑holder.
• Assist with the development of research objectives and proposals.
• Conduct individual and collaborative research projects under the direction of the Grant‑holder.
• Work with the 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 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.
• Contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.

• A good first degree in a relevant subject.
• A PhD (or be close to submission) in Management Sciences or a similar relevant subject (e.g. Sociology, Entrepreneurship, Innovation).

• Experience in conducting high‑quality academic research using advanced qualitative methods.
• Demonstrable ability to write material of a quality commensurate with publication in highly‑ranked journals.
• Demonstrable ability to present research papers at conferences, symposia, or meetings, commensurate with stage of career and communicate complex information to specialists and within the wider academic community.
• Experience in high‑quality qualitative research, i.e. programme of training at the doctoral level or examples of first‑author outputs.
• Experience of working with confidential firm‑level data, capable of exhibiting strict adherence to data management protocols and the highest levels of ethical standards.

• 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.
• A proactive and growth‑oriented mindset, with a strong spirit of intellectual curiosity and eagerness to learn new skills.
• A track record in peer‑reviewed journals, commensurate with stage of career.
• Demonstrable ability to develop research proposals and designs in collaboration with other academics.
• Experience of developing high quality impactful research through collaborative projects with external organisations.
• Demonstrable ability to plan and manage independent research.
• Knowledge of trends and dynamics of North‑East SMEs.

• Competitive salary.
• 30 days annual leave per year plus 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.
• Generous pension scheme and automatic enrollment in the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
• Parking across campus, cycle‑to‑work scheme, discounts with local bus and train companies, Tusker Car Benefit Scheme allowing lease of a brand‑new electric or…