Job Description

As part of a 3-year ESRC-funded protect titled \xe2\x80\x9cUnderstanding the research and policy needs of English coastal communities: a new coastal classification\xe2\x80\x9d we are seeking to appoint a high calibre Research Fellow with excellent quantitative data analytical skills and experience of aggregating, linking, and interrogating geospatial and small area data.

Working with Dr Alex Gibson (PMS) and Dr Yinghui Wei (School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics), the Research Fellow will play a key role collating a wide range of economic, social, demographic, environmental and administrative data at small area level and then, using a variety of statistical methodologies, explore (a) the distinctive attributes of coastal communities and the extent to which the challenges they face are specifically related to their coastal location and identity, and (b) the ways in which contextual factors affect outcomes relating to health, education, social mobility and other socio-economic domains in different coastal localities.

The project is led by Professor Sheena Asthana and will engage with stakeholders (including the ONS) to develop a classification of coastal communities to support applied actionable research and policy development. This will be informed by the analytical work undertaken by the Research Fellow, who will be expected to play a significant role communicating their findings to stakeholders; in person, though briefing documents and through the development of a user-orientated web-based interface to data and project findings.

Coastal communities have been identified as an important target for the levelling-up agenda and the Research Fellow will join colleagues at the University of Plymouth\xe2\x80\x99s Centre for Coastal Communities (CfCC). Led by Professors Asthana and Agarwal, the CfCC aims to produce world leading research that provides the evidence base for policy development that will lead to measurable improvements to the lives of those living in coastal communities in the South-West, the UK and worldwide. The CfCC brings together over 30 academic staff and has developed a strong external profile. The CfCC was the first of its kind in the UK and has played an important role in raising awareness about the coastal dimension to economic, health and education inequalities. Please see the CfCC website for further details of the work that we do.

You will be based within the internationally renowned Peninsula Medical School and must have a PhD in a relevant subject, an equivalent international qualification, or a commensurate level of recognition or experience in the private or public sector. You will need excellent communication and team-working skills and will be working closely with colleages located in Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics.

There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

You should tailor your application towards the for which you meet the criteria, although the University reserves the right to make an offer at the appropriate level in relation to skills and experience.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Alex Gibson by email at

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing 23rd October 2023 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for a period of 36 months due to funding.

This post may be suitable for remote working although meetings at the University of Plymouth and with stakeholders nationally will be required. Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

The Faculty of Health holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and the University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment to advancing women\xe2\x80\x99s careers in STEMM academia.

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you\xe2\x80\x99ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today\xe2\x80\x99s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.

Job title Quantitative Research Fellow/Senior Research Fellow (Coastal Classification) Job reference A9757 Date posted 22/09/2023 Application closing date 09/10/2023 Location Plymouth Salary \xc2\xa338,205 to \xc2\xa344,263 per annum (Grade 7) or \xc2\xa345,585 to \xc2\xa354,395 per annum (Grade 8) - depending on experience Contract Type Fixed-term, Full-time Contractual hours 37 Job category/type Academic/Research Description

As part of a 3-year ESRC-funded protect titled \xe2\x80\x9cUnderstanding the research and policy needs of English coastal communities: a new coastal classification\xe2\x80\x9d we are seeking to appoint a high calibre Research Fellow with excellent quantitative data analytical skills and experience of aggregating, linking, and interrogating geospatial and small area data.

Working with Dr Alex Gibson (PMS) and Dr Yinghui Wei (School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics), the Research Fellow will play a key role collating a wide range of economic, social, demographic, environmental and administrative data at small area level and then, using a variety of statistical methodologies, explore (a) the distinctive attributes of coastal communities and the extent to which the challenges they face are specifically related to their coastal location and identity, and (b) the ways in which contextual factors affect outcomes relating to health, education, social mobility and other socio-economic domains in different coastal localities.

The project is led by Professor Sheena Asthana and will engage with stakeholders (including the ONS) to develop a classification of coastal communities to support applied actionable research and policy development. This will be informed by the analytical work undertaken by the Research Fellow, who will be expected to play a significant role communicating their findings to stakeholders; in person, though briefing documents and through the development of a user-orientated web-based interface to data and project findings.

Coastal communities have been identified as an important target for the levelling-up agenda and the Research Fellow will join colleagues at the University of Plymouth\xe2\x80\x99s Centre for Coastal Communities (CfCC). Led by Professors Asthana and Agarwal, the CfCC aims to produce world leading research that provides the evidence base for policy development that will lead to measurable improvements to the lives of those living in coastal communities in the South-West, the UK and worldwide. The CfCC brings together over 30 academic staff and has developed a strong external profile. The CfCC was the first of its kind in the UK and has played an important role in raising awareness about the coastal dimension to economic, health and education inequalities. Please see the CfCC website for further details of the work that we do.

You will be based within the internationally renowned Peninsula Medical School and must have a PhD in a relevant subject, an equivalent international qualification, or a commensurate level of recognition or experience in the private or public sector. You will need excellent communication and team-working skills and will be working closely with colleages located in Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Business and School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics.

There is an essential requirement within this role that you will be required to travel to and work at different University sites and/or other business locations that may not be easily accessible by public transport. Please refer to the job description for further information.

Please demonstrate how you meet the essential criteria outlined in the knowledge, qualifications, training and experience elements of the job description in your supporting statement.

You should tailor your application towards the for which you meet the criteria, although the University reserves the right to make an offer at the appropriate level in relation to skills and experience.

For an informal discussion to find out more about the role then please contact Dr Alex Gibson by email at

Interviews are likely to take place week commencing 23rd October 2023 and you will be notified if you have been shortlisted or not.

This is a full-time position working 37 hours per week on a fixed-term basis for a period of 36 months due to funding.

This post may be suitable for remote working although meetings at the University of Plymouth and with stakeholders nationally will be required. Flexible working options including job share will be considered.

We offer a competitive salary package and a generous pension and holiday scheme. We also offer a range of other benefits, including ongoing development opportunities.

The Faculty of Health holds a Silver Athena Swan Award and the University holds a Bronze Athena SWAN Award which recognises commitment to advancing women\xe2\x80\x99s careers in STEMM academia.

Staff appointed within the Faculty of Health may be able to join the NHS pension scheme subject to eligibility criteria.

The University of Plymouth has a strong interdisciplinary research ethos which is supported by our three strategic Research Institutes; the Marine Institute, the Sustainable Earth Institute, and the Plymouth Institute of Health and Care Research. As a member of our academic community, you\xe2\x80\x99ll be expected to contribute to our recognised research strengths. Working holistically across the University, you will be challenged to innovate, collaborate and deliver impactful research contributions as part of a systems thinking approach to addressing today\xe2\x80\x99s global challenges.

The University of Plymouth is a diverse, welcoming community where everyone makes a difference and is encouraged to bring their whole selves to work. To find out more about our inclusive community, initiatives such as Athena Swan and the Race Equality Charter and our range of benefits / support mechanisms such as flexible working, staff networks and enhanced maternity, paternity & adoption leave please visit our

We particularly welcome applicants from under-represented groups such as BAME/BIPOC and LGBT+.

Current university employees/students should view and apply for positions via the staff/student intranet

University of Plymouth