Leeds Beckett University
Research Fellow (Fixed term 1 year, 0.75FTE)

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Job Description
The School of Humanities and Social Sciences at LBU seeks to appoint a postdoctoral research fellow to a 1-year fixed term maternity cover appointment to work on the Volkswagen Foundation-funded project ‘Waste/Land/Futures Intergenerational Relations in Places of Abandonment and Regeneration in Europe.’ The project studies communities in places of abandonment, loss and renewal in western and eastern Europe to develop intergenerational, utopian re-stories that allow those who are usually excluded from speculation about the future to have a stake in it.
The project includes 5 partner universities across Europe. The successful applicant will work with Professor Susan Watkins in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences at LBU, with other participating academic members of the project team internationally and with other external partners to support management and delivery of the project activities on time and within budget. You will support delivery of the project’s third work package on Co-Creating Utopian Narratives and Visions of the Future (led by Professor Watkins) and continue with organisation and delivery of other elements of the research project, including for example creative practice sessions, on-site observations, family interviews, management of data collection and data analysis. You will have the opportunity to contribute to high-quality publications, conference papers and other outputs resulting from the project. You may also be expected to plan ahead for the delivery of Work Package 6 Science Communication and will be expected to manage the project website https//wastelandfutures.com
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key Requirements:
- Early-career scholar with a PhD qualification in a cognate humanities or social science discipline
- Specialist knowledge and experience of science communication
- Experience of using qualitative methods of data collection and organising creative practice workshops
- High-order academic research, communication and presentation skills
- Ability to work as part of a team
- Commitment to personal professional development


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Closing Date: Friday 21st August 2026 (23.59)
Interview Date: Wednesday 2nd September (this may be subject to change)
To arrange an informal discussion about this post, please contact Professor Susan Watkins at s.watkins@leedsbeckett.ac.uk
Benefits:
- Generous pension schemes
- Excellent holiday entitlements
- Flexible working
- Reduced study fees
- Subsidised fitness facilities
- And more
We welcome applications from all individuals and particularly from black and minority ethnic candidates as members of these groups are currently under-represented at this level of post. All appointments will be based on merit.
Leeds Beckett University is a Disability Confident Employer. Disabled candidates who demonstrate all essential criteria within the Person Specification will be invited to an interview.
Apply online
Send to a friend
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location