Research Associate

The Environment and Geography Department brings together researchers with diverse interests in environment and geography. The successful candidate will be part of a supportive and community-oriented department with a strong commitment to upholding our core values (embracing diversity, making a positive difference, environmental sustainability, being friendly and helpful, and always learning). The department is proud to hold an Athena Swan Silver Award.

The Department wishes to recruit a Research Associate with excellent qualitative research skills and experience of conducting independent or collaborative research for a newly funded York-Maastricht Partnership Project on LGBTQ-affirming older adults' housing. The project will explore the global geography and characteristics of LGBTQ-affirming older adults' housing, and investigate residents' lived experiences of this housing. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a small research team that involves researchers from the University of York and Maastricht University to undertake an important literature review and desktop and case study research.

You will work under the supervision of Dr Katherine Brookfield. You will identify and synthesise relevant research in the academic and grey literature on LGBTQ-affirming older adults' housing. You will undertake desktop research and conduct interviews with relevant housing providers, policymakers and third-sector actors to map the global geography and identify the characteristics of LGBTQ-affirming older adults' housing schemes. You will complete case study research (e.g. interviews, focus groups, non-participant observation) with the residents and staff of an LGBTQ-affirming older adults' housing scheme to explore residents' lived experiences. You will also support Dr Brookfield in the day to day management of the project. The role is anticipated to involve some UK travel for fieldwork.

Skills, Experience & Qualifications needed:

A PhD in a relevant subject area or equivalent experience.

Sufficient knowledge in a relevant subject, such as the lived experiences of older LGBTQ adults, older adults' housing experiences, age-friendly housing, to be able to engage in high-quality research.

Knowledge of a range of qualitative research techniques and methodologies.

Highly developed communication skills to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders and audiences, both orally and in writing, using a range of media.

Ability to work as part of a team and also to work independently using your own initiative.

A collaborative ethos.

The University strives to be diverse and inclusive. 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. As a Disability Confident employer, we will ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum (essential) criteria for each position will be offered an interview.