Research Associate (Sociology)

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 150 for Sociology (QS World Ranking by subject, 2024).  Sociology at York identifies novel empirical agendas, shapes theoretical approaches and conducts research into the challenges facing modern societies.  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. We are based in a modern building on the University’s East Campus.

Role

The role involves conducting qualitative research that explores the experience among Traveller, Gypsy and Roma communities of cancer screening.  The main duties and responsibilities of the job include: 

• Organising qualitative fieldwork with local communities and healthcare professionals
• Interviewing participants from Traveller, Gypsy and Roma Communities and health care professionals;
• Analysing and writing up qualitative interview material;
• Preparing reports, publications and updates to research funder; 
• Disseminating research findings to academic, community and professional audiences.

The role is part time at 22.2 hours per week, 60% of full time.  The start date is anticipated as 1st October 2025 for a period of 16 Months. 

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

The successful candidate will have:

• a PhD in a health related subject;
• knowledge of healthcare inequalities among Traveller, Gypsy and Roma communities
• knowledge of qualitative techniques and methodologies;
• knowledge and experience of researching cancer services among marginal communities;
• ability to development successful working relationships with Traveller, Gypsy and Roma third sector organisations;
• experience of conducting qualitative fieldwork among marginalised communities;
• experience of ethical processes and procedures;
• experience of disseminating research material to academic, professional and community audiences;
• a collaborative ethos and an ability to work with a variety of diverse 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: To be confirmed

For informal enquiries: please contact Dr Sangeeta Chattoo  via email: sangeeta.chattoo@york.ac.uk or Professor Karl Atkin via email: karl.atkin@york.ac.uk

Condition of employment

This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act. Consequently, all applicants will be asked to declare both unspent and spent convictions on their application form.

Appointment of the successful candidate will be conditional on a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

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