Research Associate - British Chemicals

We are seeking a Research Associate in Newcastle University Business School (NUBS) to conduct research, including qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, policy engagement and dissemination, for a two-year project funded as part of the UKRI Great British Chemicals hub.

• Conduct desk‑based reviews of academic and grey literature.
• Attend fortnightly meetings with the Project Lead, monthly Function Stream and wider hub meetings and workshops.
• Organise and keep records of meetings as required.
• Prepare for and conduct field research in the UK and overseas, including ethical review.
• Carry out online and in‑person interviews with key informants in the chemicals industry and policy‑makers, regulators and third‑sector organisations.
• Design and implement surveys and individual and group interviews with work forces and community groups in chemicals and chemical‑using companies and industrial regions.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative data.
• Manage project data under guidance from the Project Lead.
• Contribute to project engagement and dissemination, including presentations to industry and academic audiences and outputs such as project reports, interim reports, policy briefs and academic papers.

• Experience conducting in‑depth interviews and analysing qualitative data.
• Experience conducting surveys and analysing survey data.
• Experience carrying out independent research.
• Experience writing up research for reports and publication.
• Experience conducting social‑science research in or on industrial regions and/or supply chains.
• Achievements in publishing research, either as a lone scholar or joint author, in the field of business and management, economic geography, sociology or related discipline.
• Experience with online communication and/or research methods.
• PhD in Business and Management, Economic Geography, Economic Sociology or a related social‑science discipline.
• Ability to prepare research work for reports and publication.
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently using own initiative.
• Skills in survey‑based and qualitative data collection and analysis, including use of appropriate software and digital tools.
• Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with wide and diverse audiences, both orally and in writing.
• Experience conducting qualitative data analysis.
• Experience working in groups.
• Knowledge of debates, literature and concepts in circular economies, supply chains and sustainability, industrial regulation, labour and livelihoods.
• Knowledge of the chemical and chemicals‑using industries is desirable.

• Enthusiasm for research into the chemical and chemicals‑using sectors, industrial sustainability and supply chains.
• Collaborative ethos.
• Positive attitude to colleagues, research participants and partners.
• Willingness to work outside conventional working hours if required by fieldwork and travel.
• Ability to plan and prioritise work to meet deadlines.
• Commitment to personal development and updating of knowledge and skills.
• Willingness to up‑skill in online research methods and data management.

Newcastle University offers a generous holiday package, pension schemes and a range of health and wellbeing initiatives. Great British Chemicals is a national alliance focused on decarbonising the UK chemicals sector.

Newcastle University is a global university where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We are an equal‑opportunity employer and committed to inclusion, actively recruiting and supporting staff from all backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident employer and welcome disabled applicants.