Research Fellow in Boys’ and Young Men’s Sexual Consent Cultures and Practices

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The role

This postdoctoral research fellow position is a full-time role for the duration of a two-year Leverhulme Trust-funded project examining adolescent boys’ and young adult men’s perspectives on, and experiences of, sexual consent.

Working closely with the Principal Investigator, the postholder will contribute to all stages of the research process, from literature review and study set-up through to data collection, analysis and dissemination. The role offers substantial hands-on experience of mixed-methods research on sensitive topics, within a supportive and intellectually engaged research environment.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Conducting and supporting systematic and critical literature reviews related to sexual consent, masculinity, gender-based sexual violence and young people’s sexual cultures
• Supporting the design, administration and management of a large-scale quantitative survey, including data handling and preparation for analysis
• Assisting with qualitative data collection, including recruitment, interviewing and transcription management
• Contributing to qualitative and quantitative data analysis under the guidance of the Principal Investigator
• Supporting project administration, organisation of research materials, and ethical and data management procedures
• Contributing to academic outputs, including drafting sections of papers, reports or presentations
• Assisting with dissemination and engagement activities linked to the project, where appropriate

The post offers an opportunity to develop advanced methodological skills, contribute to high-quality publications, and engage with contemporary theoretical debates around consent, gender, and relational ethics.

About you

You will have:

• A completed PhD (or close to completion) in criminology, sociology, psychology, gender and sexualities studies, education or a related social science discipline
• Experience of conducting qualitative and/or quantitative social research
• Familiarity with research on gender, sexuality, consent, youth or related fields
• Experience working with sensitive topics and an understanding of ethical research practice
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage research tasks independently
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to contribute to academic writing

Appointment is also subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

What we can offer

In addition to a competitive salary you will receive 25 days annual leave, with additional days for Bank Holidays and University closure days. We offer a generous pension, flexible working options, access to world-class leisure facilities, a range of travel schemes and supportive family friendly benefits including an excellent on-site nursery.

How to apply

To apply, please submit a CV and cover letter via the University of Surrey’s online recruitment system. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview via MS Teams.

Informal enquiries about the role are welcome. Please contact Dr Emily Setty (Associate Professor of Criminology) at emily.setty@surrey.ac.uk  

The University of Surrey is committed to providing an inclusive environment that offers equal opportunities for all. We value everyone in our community and are seeking to increase the diversity. Therefore, we particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic groups and people with disabilities.

Further details

Job Description