We are recruiting a Community Research Manager to manage our Civic and Community Research Project activity. The postholder will be primarily responsible for managing the development and implementation of a Community Research Training Programme in Hampshire, as well as helping to coordinate research projects in partnership with local authorities and diverse members of our local community. The post is offered on a fixed-term appointment until 31 July 2025.

Who you will work with

You will work with Prof Matt Ryan (Social Sciences), Prof Mary Barker (Medicine/Environmental Life Sciences), Prof Jo Sofaer (Arts and Humanities), Prof Kath Woods-Townsend (Medicine), Dr Paolo Spada (Social Sciences) and other colleagues in an exciting cross-disciplinary team. The role is part of an investment in using participatory research methods to contribute the University of Southampton’s civic agenda.

The role

The applicant is expected to carry out project management activity to support delivery of a Community Researcher Training Programme and related activities. The postholder will provide support for research staff and civic partners (local authorities) who will be recruiting community members for research opportunities. These will include research skills training in selected locations across Hampshire with a view to delivering novel insights into housing, place and waste policy.

Work will include planning, organising and supporting activities in communities across Hampshire, taking responsibility for setting and monitoring mile-stones, facilitating liaison, supporting task groups and financial monitoring as appropriate, as well as management and delivery of projects/programmes of work as required by the Academic Leads. You will maintain relationships within and across the Faculties, and with the academic leads, as well as our civic and other project partners, ensuring effective communication and engagement. The role will also involve supporting the Investigators with project management in sister research projects such as the Pathways to Health Consortium, the Young Researcher Training Programme and the Social Sciences Laboratory.

About you

We are looking for passionate individuals who are hard-working, dedicated, and flexible in their approach. Some of the key skills required are:

• Understanding of local communities and/or working in a higher education environment, especially being able to understand the civic university agenda and how research helps to deliver on this agenda
• Knowledge and experience of similar project management activity
• Able to develop and maintain relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent writing, analytical and critical appraisal skills
• Confident in providing accurate and timely specialist guidance on complex issues
• Good time-management
• Ability to work in a multi-disciplinary team
• Contributions to ensuring contracts and ethics compliance

We encourage interested candidates to contact Profs Matt Ryan, Joanna Sofaer, Kath Woods Townsend or Mary Barker (m.g.ryan@soton.ac.uk; jrsd@soton.ac.uk; K.Woods-Townsend@soton.ac.uk; meb@mrc.soton.ac.uk;) for informal enquiries.