Research Associate

Role Description

Department

As one of the longest-established (1965) and most distinguished in the UK, the Department of Sociology has played an important role in the development of the discipline.   Our commitment to research resulted in the Department being ranked by the Times Higher Education as fourth in the UK for research and first for research impact.  The Department is also in the World Top 100 for Sociology (QS World Ranking, 2026).   By collaborating with international and national partners, we pride ourselves on doing sociology that makes a positive change in the world (https://www.york.ac.uk/sociology/research/).  We are a collegiate department with a vibrant, research-intensive group of staff, organised around four clusters: Science, Health and Technology; Gender, Sexuality and Inequalities; Culture, Value and Practices; and Language and Social Interaction.

The focus of the research is open but must align with the research of the Head of Department (Prof. Nik Brown) in assisting with the delivery of their research agenda in the sociology of health, medicine and the natural sciences. 

This post is available from 01 October 2026 for a period of 2 years and is part time at 18.5 hours per week (50% of full time)

Role

The main duties and responsibilities of the job include: 

• organising fieldwork including archival research and analysis, interviews where appropriate and identifying follow-up research activity;

• Analysing archival and interview data; 

• writing up qualitative material for peer review publication in sociological and health  journals;

• disseminating research findings to academic, public and professional audiences.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

The successful candidate will have:

• a doctorate in sociology, anthropology or related discipline

• knowledge of Science and Technology Studies (STS), and the sociology of health, medicine and the natural sciences

• knowledge of theoretically informed qualitative research 

• ability to write up research work for peer review publication in sociological journals

• experience of conducting qualitative fieldwork and archival research 

• experience of disseminating research material to academic, professional and public audiences

• a collaborative ethos and an ability to work with a variety of different stakeholders

To apply, complete the University application form and enclose a four page CV along with a two page covering letter, outlining how you meet the essential (and desirable) criteria.

Interview date: Early June 2026

For informal enquiries: please contact Prof. Nik Brown on nik.brown@york.ac.uk 

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive  – a place where we can ALL be ourselves.

We particularly encourage applications from people who identify as Black, Asian or from a Minority Ethnic background, who are underrepresented at the University. 

We offer family friendly, flexible working arrangements, with forums and inclusive facilities to support our staff. #EqualityatYork

As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.  Read more about the University of York’s commitments under the Disability Confident scheme.