Research Fellow (144523-0126)
About The Role
For informal enquiries, please contact Nikoleta Jones, Professor at Nikoleta.Jones@warwick.ac.uk
In this role, you will lead the development, testing, and refinement of an online social impact assessment platform (SOCIAT) as part of a European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept project.
You will build and extend a web-based application with user authentication, dashboards, survey and questionnaire functionality, data visualisation, and automated reporting features.
You will work from an existing prototype and validated research framework, collaborating closely with the Principal Investigator and project team to translate research methods into a robust, user-friendly digital tool that can be used by conservation practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders worldwide.
The post offers a rare opportunity to work at the interface of computer science, data-driven innovation, and real-world policy impact.
The successful candidate will play a central role in transforming world-leading ERC-funded research into a fully functional, scalable digital platform for social impact assessment in conservation and nature restoration projects.
The post also offers exposure to innovation and commercialisation pathways, including interaction with Warwick Innovations and engagement with NGOs, policymakers, and private-sector users.
This makes it an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in applied research, research software engineering, or future careers spanning academia, industry, and impact-driven spin-outs.
Flexible Working
You are a motivated and technically strong computer scientist or software developer who enjoys building robust, user-centred digital tools that address complex societal challenges.
You are comfortable working across the full web development stack and enjoy translating user needs into practical, elegant technical solutions.
You will bring strong skills in web application development (back-end and front-end), alongside an eye for intuitive UX design across desktop and mobile platforms.
You are able to work independently, manage competing priorities, and communicate effectively with colleagues from non-technical backgrounds.
While the role is primarily software engineering-focused, it also includes aspects of data visualisation, and how digital tools can support evidence-based decision-making.
An interest in social impact, sustainability, conservation, or policy-facing research is highly valued, but direct prior experience in these areas is not essential.
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
PhD Status
If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).
Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).
About The Department
The post is based in the School for Cross-faculty Studies – Global Sustainable Development Division, a highly interdisciplinary environment that brings together researchers working on global challenges including sustainability, climate change, governance, and social justice.
The department is distinctive in its strong emphasis on impact-led research, collaboration across disciplinary boundaries, and close engagement with external partners such as NGOs, governments, and international organisations.
This role is embedded within the SOCIAT project team, which builds on the highly successful ERC-funded FIDELIO project and maintains an extensive global network of collaborators and users.
Additional information about the SOCIAT project and its platform can be found here:
https://www.warwick.ac.uk/sociat
https://www.warwick.ac.uk/sociat/platform
About The University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**
Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.
CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 18th January 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)
To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.
Your CV Should Include
You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).
What we Offer
We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including
We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion
Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.
Find out more about our awards and accreditations.
We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.
Safeguarding & DBS
The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.
The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.
Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.
Job Description
JD - Research Fellow (111089).pdf – 110KB Opens in a new window
Right to Work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.
For informal enquiries, please contact Nikoleta Jones, Professor at Nikoleta.Jones@warwick.ac.uk
In this role, you will lead the development, testing, and refinement of an online social impact assessment platform (SOCIAT) as part of a European Research Council (ERC) Proof of Concept project.
You will build and extend a web-based application with user authentication, dashboards, survey and questionnaire functionality, data visualisation, and automated reporting features.
You will work from an existing prototype and validated research framework, collaborating closely with the Principal Investigator and project team to translate research methods into a robust, user-friendly digital tool that can be used by conservation practitioners, policymakers, and other stakeholders worldwide.
The post offers a rare opportunity to work at the interface of computer science, data-driven innovation, and real-world policy impact.
The successful candidate will play a central role in transforming world-leading ERC-funded research into a fully functional, scalable digital platform for social impact assessment in conservation and nature restoration projects.
The post also offers exposure to innovation and commercialisation pathways, including interaction with Warwick Innovations and engagement with NGOs, policymakers, and private-sector users.
This makes it an excellent opportunity for candidates interested in applied research, research software engineering, or future careers spanning academia, industry, and impact-driven spin-outs.
Flexible Working
- We will consider applications for employment on a part-time or other flexible working basis (e.g. job share), despite the position being advertised as full-time.
You are a motivated and technically strong computer scientist or software developer who enjoys building robust, user-centred digital tools that address complex societal challenges.
You are comfortable working across the full web development stack and enjoy translating user needs into practical, elegant technical solutions.
You will bring strong skills in web application development (back-end and front-end), alongside an eye for intuitive UX design across desktop and mobile platforms.
You are able to work independently, manage competing priorities, and communicate effectively with colleagues from non-technical backgrounds.
While the role is primarily software engineering-focused, it also includes aspects of data visualisation, and how digital tools can support evidence-based decision-making.
An interest in social impact, sustainability, conservation, or policy-facing research is highly valued, but direct prior experience in these areas is not essential.
For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.
PhD Status
If you are near submission of your PhD, or have not yet had it conferred, any offers of employment will be made at Research Assistant level, at the highest spinal point of pay grade 5 (£34,610 per annum).
Upon receipt of evidence confirming the successful award of your PhD, you will be promoted to Research Fellow, at the lowest spinal point of grade 6 (£35,608 per annum).
About The Department
The post is based in the School for Cross-faculty Studies – Global Sustainable Development Division, a highly interdisciplinary environment that brings together researchers working on global challenges including sustainability, climate change, governance, and social justice.
The department is distinctive in its strong emphasis on impact-led research, collaboration across disciplinary boundaries, and close engagement with external partners such as NGOs, governments, and international organisations.
This role is embedded within the SOCIAT project team, which builds on the highly successful ERC-funded FIDELIO project and maintains an extensive global network of collaborators and users.
Additional information about the SOCIAT project and its platform can be found here:
https://www.warwick.ac.uk/sociat
https://www.warwick.ac.uk/sociat/platform
About The University
We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 106th in the world and 8th in the UK.* Additionally, 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.**
Find out more about us at warwick.ac.uk/about/.
- World University Ranking 2024, Guardian University Guide 2025
- Research Excellence Framework 2021
CLOSING DEADLINE: Sunday 18th January 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)
To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.
Your CV Should Include
- Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
- Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).
- Your motivations for applying to the role.
- Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).
You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).
- Interview Date: To be confirmed
- Start Date: 2nd February 2026
What we Offer
We Provide a Comprehensive Range Of Benefits, Including
- An attractive pension scheme.
- 30 days holiday plus University Christmas closure.
- Generous parental/adoption leave policy.
- Onsite childcare facilities.
- Excellent learning and development opportunities.
We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Equality, Diversity, & Inclusion
Warwick is committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive and respectful community where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and communities, and actively encourage candidates from underrepresented groups to apply.
Find out more about our Social Inclusion work at Warwick.
Find out more about our awards and accreditations.
We are also one of the six founder institutions of the EUTOPIA European University Alliance.
Safeguarding & DBS
The University of Warwick is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all those we work with.
- Roles involving regulated activity are subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at the appropriate level, in line with the DBS Code of Practice.
- The University will ensure that anyone subject to a barring order does not undertake any work with the barred group (children and/or adults).
- All employees, volunteers, and partners are expected to share our commitment to safeguarding.
The University will not discriminate against applicants who make a disclosure relating to a conviction.
Disclosures at application stage are only visible to the DBS team, not to hiring panels. This ensures fairness and removes bias from the shortlisting process.
Job Description
JD - Research Fellow (111089).pdf – 110KB Opens in a new window
Right to Work in the UK
If you do not yet have the right to work in the UK and/or are seeking sponsorship for a Skilled Worker visa, please follow this link which contains further information about obtaining the right to work in the UK.