Research Associate/Fellow in Housing, Health and Lived Experience (Fixed term, Part time)

Area
Architecture and Built Environment

Location
University Park

Salary
£32,080 to £41,064 per annum, pro rata depending on skills and experience (minimum £35608 with relevant PhD).

Closing Date
Wednesday 25 March 2026

Reference
ENG355126

About the role

We are seeking a Research Associate/Fellow to contribute to a short-term interdisciplinary research project, “From Cold to Comfort: The Lived History and Policy Futures of Warmth, Damp and Domestic Life in Nottingham’s Older Homes”.

The project explores how cold, damp, mould, and poorly heated homes have shaped the health, wellbeing and everyday lives of older residents living in Nottingham’s post-war housing. It will capture oral histories from long-term residents aged 70+ and connect these experiences with housing conditions, neighbourhood contexts and historical policy evidence.

Working closely with the research team, you will recruit participants through community networks, conduct semi-structured interviews, support transcription and qualitative analysis, and help prepare case study profiles linking lived experience with housing and social contexts. You will also assist in developing materials for a publicly accessible digital archive and engagement activities with community partners.

This is a part-time (14.5 hours per week), fixed term post until 15th July 2026. The successful candidate must be available for an immediate start. Requests for secondment from internal candidates will be considered on the basis that prior agreement has been sought from both your current line manager and the manager of your substantive post, if you are already undertaking a secondment role.

About the team

You will join a collaborative and interdisciplinary team bringing together expertise in architecture and building science, urban planning, geography, respiratory epidemiology and geospatial analysis. The project is linked to the University’s City as Lab initiative, which supports place-based research and civic partnerships across Nottingham.

Our team works closely with community organisations, housing groups and tenant networks to ensure that research reflects lived experiences and contributes to improved housing and health outcomes. We value inclusive and collaborative working and welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.

About you-

You should have:

• A PhD (or near completion) in a relevant discipline such as social science, geography, planning, architecture, public health or a related field.
• Experience conducting and analysing qualitative research, including interviews or other forms of community-based research.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• An interest in interdisciplinary research linking housing, social inequality and everyday lived experience.

What we offer

• A friendly, diverse, and supportive working environment
• A hybrid working arrangement with the blended approach of home and office working each week

What next

Further information is available in the role profile. To apply for this vacancy please click ‘Apply Now’ to complete your details.

Please contact (Dr Peter Rutherford) ([email protected]) if you have further questions about this role. Please note that applications sent directly to this email address will not be accepted.