Research Associate, Research Assistant​/Associate, Academic

This post is p art-time, 14 hours per week and fixed-term until 28

September 2028. The salary stated above is the pro-rata amount, the full-time salary would be £41,086 - £46,54 2 per annum (Incl. LWA).

The University of Westminster is seeking to appoint an innovative Research Associate to join the School of Social Sciences (0.4 FTE basis) on the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funded project, Centring Mothers’ Voices in the Prevention of Gangs and Serious Youth Violence. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a pioneering and impactful research project that places mothers at the heart of efforts to prevent gangs and serious youth violence.

The project recognises the crucial role mothers play as protectors, advocates and sources of support within their families and communities. Working closely with Dr Sally Atkinson-Sheppard, the successful candidate will contribute to a participatory and co-produced programme of research that brings together mothers, practitioners and other stakeholders to develop new knowledge and influence policy and practice.

The role will involve undertaking a literature review and policy analysis, conducting qualitative photovoice interviews with mothers and practitioners, supporting data collection and analysis, and contributing to research outputs including reports, policy briefings and academic publications. The successful candidate will also play an important role in impact and dissemination activities, including supporting and managing a steering group of mothers and contributing to the development of resources designed to influence policy and practice.

The successful candidate will have experience of conducting research with vulnerable groups, strong qualitative research skills, excellent written and verbal communication abilities, and a commitment to collaborative and inclusive research practices. They will be able to work effectively as part of a research team while managing their own workload and contributing positively to the wider academic community.

At the University of Westminster, diversity, inclusion and equality of opportunity are at the core of how we engage with students, colleagues, applicants, visitors and all our stakeholders.

We are fully committed to enabling a supportive and safe learning and working environment which is equitable, diverse and inclusive, is based on mutual respect and trust, and in which harassment and discrimination are neither tolerated nor acceptable.

The University has adopted Smart Working principles to support and further our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion aims of being an inclusive, collaborative and flexible employer. Further details of Smart Working can be discussed at interview stage.

Closing date: 11.59pm on 26 October 2026

Interviews likely to be held on: 17/18 November 2026

Please note that this advert may close early once a sufficient number of applications have been received.

Central London

Harrow

Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS)

Creative Arts and Technologies (CAT)

Fixed Term