Research Fellow - School of Engineering - 105338 - Grade 7 na The University of Birmingham

Position Details

School of Engineering

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,636 to £46,049 with potential progression once in post to £48,822

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to February 2030 

Closing date: 30th September 2025

UK travel may be required for this role

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range of activities within an established research programme and/or specific research project. We are seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to contribute to a major research initiative evaluating the effectiveness of sustainable transport interventions, with a particular focus on Transport for West Midlands’ (TfWM) Mobility Hub programme.

Role Summary

Generally, the Research Fellow will:

• Work within specified research grants and projects and contribute to writing bids 
• Operate within area of specialism
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results 
• Contribute to generating funding 
• Contribute to licensing or spin out deals with demonstrated commercial success (such as revenues, asset or company sales, IP generated) and/or public understanding of the discipline or similar

Specifically, the Research Fellow will contribute to the Healthy Low-carbon Transport Hub (HLTH), a five-year interdisciplinary programme focused on enhancing the health co-benefits and public acceptability of transport decarbonisation interventions. The role involves both quantitative and qualitative research to:

• Develop frameworks and metrics to assess the health impacts of low-carbon transport measures across the Avoid–Reduce–Improve spectrum.
• Identify barriers and enablers to implementation, embracing both the formal and informal forms of governance that influence systems efficacy.
• Propose and evaluate strategies to maximise health co-benefits and reduce inequalities.

A key focus will be on evaluating Transport for West Midlands’ Mobility Hub programme, a network of 40 hubs promoting sustainable, car-free travel. The Research Fellow will help refine hub design, assess impacts using HLTH frameworks, and model co-benefits to support future investment and stakeholder engagement. They will also use system mapping to identify broader consequences and inform alternative business models.

Additionally, the Fellow will support the integration of findings across HLTH case studies and interventions, contributing to the development of a Theory and Practice of Change to guide effective, health-focused transport policy and implementation.

The Fellow will:

• Collaborate with practice partners within the community and voluntary sector partners, local and regional authorities, and external research partners.
• Draw key recommendations for stakeholders and partners.
• Attend and initiate project meetings and collaborate with researchers from HLTH across the full disciplinary spectrum.

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data (i.e. quantitative and qualitative research on health, well-being, low carbon transportation, travel behaviour and transport systems governance)
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc, including writing research papers, progress reports and accessible summaries of the findings, and participate in the full range of dissemination activities of HLTH
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods 
• Undertake management/administration arising from research, including ensuring that the information and records processed on behalf of the University are managed in compliance with ALL applicable legislation, codes and policies
• Contribute to Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, focus groups, and research interviews * (other research methods may include World Café events and Delphi surveys)
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• First degree in a relevant area of specialism and normally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications. This may include, but is not limited to, disciplines such as:
  • Transport and mobility 
  • Environmental sciences and engineering
  • Urban studies and planning
  • Behavioural sciences 
  • Public health
• High level analytical capability, particularly with qualitative data
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods and ability to contribute to developing new ones (e.g. statistical analysis, qualitative data collection and analysis, governance structures, business models associated with urban metabolism, and evaluation of urban metabolism interventions)
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively 
• Understanding of and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

An ideal candidate would also have the following:

• Knowledge of mobility systems, transport-related interventions and their evaluation
• Research experience in the urban metabolism (ideally including active travel), user behaviours, and behaviour change theories
• Ability to translate research findings for different audiences
• Effective organisational and time management skills in a multidisciplinary setting

Informal enquiries to Simon Blainey, email: [email protected] 

View our staff values and behaviours here 

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.