Researcher Developer

Role Description

White Rose University Consortium is seeking a proactive and collaborative Researcher Developer (0.6 FTE) to support postgraduate researchers (PGRs) from across the White Rose Partners, as well as regional SHAPE early career researchers (ECRs) through close collaboration with colleagues from York St John University and the British Academy.

Department

The White Rose University Consortium brings together the Universities of Leeds, Sheffield, and York in a collaborative partnership that places people at the heart of everything we do. We empower individuals from all backgrounds to thrive through tailored development programmes, impactful initiatives, and engagement across our community. Our work provides practical, high-value support that complements existing university offerings, helping our partners achieve their goals and drive positive change.

Role

The Researcher Developer role offers an exciting new opportunity to support the Head of White Rose, and work closely with cluster co-leads from York St York University, colleagues from the British Academy and partners across the region to design and deliver tailored support for ECRs in SHAPE.

The postholder will contribute to two key areas of researcher support:

1. British Academy Early Career Researcher Network – Yorkshire & Humber Cluster (~0.4 FTE)

You will work closely with cluster co-leads from York St York University, colleagues from the British Academy and partners across the region to design and deliver tailored support for ECRs in SHAPE. This includes identifying researcher needs and co-developing a responsive programme of activities and resources. You will collaborate with a broad range of stakeholders, including ECRs, academic staff, and professional services colleagues, to ensure the Cluster provides inclusive, impactful support that reflects the diversity of the regional research community.

2. Support for PGRs across the White Rose Universities (~0.2 FTE)

You will collaborate with colleagues (Researcher Developers, PGR Leads, Careers, Student Unions, etc.) from across the White Rose Universities to identify and respond to the shared needs of PGRs, with a particular focus on those from smaller or underrepresented communities. This may include groups such as Arts & Humanities PGRs, mature PhD students, or PGRs from the Global Majority. Together, you’ll develop collaborative initiatives that offer targeted, inclusive support.

While the position is officially based in York, it has a broad regional remit across Yorkshire and the Humber. The role offers flexibility for remote working, with occasional travel required to partner institutions and events both within the region and nationally.

Skills, Experience & Qualification needed

British Academy Early Career Researcher Network, Yorkshire & Humber Cluster Lead (~0.4 FTE)

• Build strong partnerships and collaborate with key cluster stakeholders, including York St John University, the British Academy ECRN Regional Officer, White Rose Team, cluster consortium members, and regional Social Sciences, Humanities and the Arts for People and the Economy (SHAPE) Researchers (ECRs/academics), to identify development opportunities that align with ECR needs.

• Design, deliver, and evaluate inclusive training and professional development activities tailored to SHAPE ECRs across Yorkshire and Humber, ensuring alignment with regional priorities.

• Organise and facilitate Cluster events and meetings in partnership with the White Rose Team and cluster collaborators, ensuring smooth delivery through effective scheduling, logistics, publicity, and documentation.

• Champion ECR engagement in the Cluster programme, with a particular emphasis on inclusivity and increasing representation of underrepresented groups.

• Liaise with the British Academy ECRN team and other regional clusters to raise awareness of Cluster activities and share best practices nationally.

• Develop and maintain accessible learning materials, webinars, and digital content, as required.

• Produce reports and papers on Cluster activities for relevant stakeholders and committees.

Support for Postgraduate Researchers across the White Rose Universities (~0.2 FTE)

• Collaborate with colleagues (Researcher Developers, PGR Leads, Careers, Student Unions, etc.) from across the White Rose Universities to identify and address the shared needs of PGRs, particularly those from smaller or underrepresented communities (e.g. Arts & Humanities, mature students, Global Majority).

• Design innovative and inclusive learning and development solutions that complement existing university provision while addressing regional and individual needs.

• Represent the White Rose University Consortium in professional networks and stay informed of current trends, challenges, and best practices in researcher development.

Interview date: 10th November 2025

For informal enquiries: please contact Karen Hinxman, Head of White Rose University Consortium on k.hinxman@whiterose.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