Research Fellow in Child Criminal Exploitation and Geo-Spatial Safeguarding
Join Queen’s University Belfast to advance research on child criminal exploitation using geo-spatial techniques for community safeguarding.
Best for:Best for researchers with a PhD in Criminology, Social Science, Geography, or Geo-Spatial Analytics, and experience in participatory research, qualitative data analysis, and collaboration with statutory agencies.
Overview
This Research Fellow position at Queen’s University Belfast focuses on leveraging geo-spatial methods to enhance community safeguarding against child criminal exploitation. The successful candidate will collaborate with the Centre for Evidence-Based Youth Services within the School of Social Sciences, Education, and Social Work. The role involves developing novel participatory research methods, engaging with statutory agencies and communities, and contributing to evidence-based interventions. The position is ideal for researchers with expertise in criminology, social sciences, or geo-spatial analytics who are passionate about addressing youth violence and safeguarding vulnerable populations. The fixed-term contract offers an opportunity to make a tangible impact on policy and practice in child protection.
What you'll do
- Develop and implement novel participatory research methods to engage children and young people in safeguarding initiatives.
- Conduct geo-spatial analysis to enhance community safeguarding strategies against child criminal exploitation.
- Collaborate with statutory agencies (e.g., police, probation, education) and communities to co-design research interventions.
- Lead research projects focused on youth violence, community violence, and conflict-related issues.
- Analyze qualitative data and communicate research findings to diverse audiences, including policymakers and the public.
- Support the Centre for Evidence-Based Youth Services in advancing evidence-based practices in child protection.
- Contribute to the development of policy recommendations informed by research findings.
Requirements
Degree required: A PhD in Criminology, Social Science, Geography, or Geo-Spatial Analytics (or equivalent), with the degree to be obtained within 3 months of employment commencement.
Language: English; proficiency sufficient for academic research and communication
Instruction: English
- Proven experience of engaging with statutory agencies (e.g., police, probation, education) or communities in a research environment.
- Research experience in projects related to youth violence, community violence, conflict, or child criminal exploitation.
- Proficiency in participatory and qualitative research designs and qualitative data analysis.
- Experience in communicating research findings to diverse audiences, including the general public.
- Must hold or be about to obtain a PhD in Criminology, Social Science, Geography, or Geo-Spatial Analytics within 3 months of employment commencement.
- No specific nationality or residency restrictions mentioned.
Funding & terms
How to apply
Deadline: 2026-10-19
Applicants must submit their CV and a cover letter demonstrating how they meet the essential criteria through the university’s online application portal. Ensure your application clearly evidences your research experience and engagement with statutory agencies or communities. Further details and the application link are available on the university’s website.
- CV
- Cover letter detailing how you meet the essential criteria
- Proof of PhD completion (if already obtained) or confirmation of imminent completion
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