Post Doctoral Research Fellow (0.6) - Stories for Survival
Location Wolverhampton Campus Faculty/Department Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences Contract Type Temporary Salary £41,064 - £48,822 pa (Pro Rata for Part Time) Closing Date 11/11/2025 Job Reference 14597 Documents
1.
(PDF, 201.12kb)
Part-time 0.6fte, Fixed Term until 31st July 2027
The University Strategy 2035 sets our ambition to develop high-quality, impactful research and knowledge exchange (RKE) that transforms lives, and which makes a world-leading contribution in the areas of green innovation and sustainability, health and wellbeing and inclusive communities. This post-doctoral research fellowship scheme is introduced to support strategic development of research, RKE environment and impact with the QR funding allocated for the Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences (FABSS). The plan is to support 0.6fte post-doctoral research fellowships (24 months each, UW9 posts) under this scheme.
With a PhD or near completion or other relevant post-graduate research qualification, the fellows will be creative, motivated and have experience in relevant research, methods and outputs. Three projects are as follows
We are seeking to appoint a Post Doctoral Research Fellow to support the following project.
Stories for Survival: Climate Fiction’s Impact on Young People’s Wellbeing, Pro-Climate Behaviour, and Career Choices
This part-time, fixed-term postdoctoral role supports Professor Sebastian Groes in researching how climate fiction can help the public—especially young people aged 16–21—understand and adapt to climate change. This group faces critical life decisions, reports high levels of climate anxiety, and has limited means for environmental action. The project will build a national network of literary scholars, educators, librarians, and therapists, focusing on partnerships with geographically and demographically diverse schools and colleges. It addresses a gap in research by developing new tools to measure young people’s environmental attitudes and behaviours, while running reading groups to assess how literary and YA climate fiction affects wellbeing, agency, and career aspirations.
You will lead on planning, data collection and analysis, and co-author academic outputs and practical recommendations for educators and curriculum planners on the value of discussing climate fiction in educational settings.
You will be a specialist in English Literature with expertise in the linguistics and poetics of ecology and climate change. Knowledge Exchange and alignment with UoW’s Vision 2035 are desirable. Applicants should demonstrate an understanding of REF 2029, particularly CTTR’s strategy for Unit of Assessment 27, with a clear focus on addressing the Sustainable Development Goals. The role requires a well-rounded researcher with strong analytical and digital skills, social media awareness, and the capacity to generate real-world impact for future generations. Experience in producing REFable outputs and a proven record of collaborative research project delivery are essential.”
Staff Benefits
You may be eligible to choose from a number of benefits during your appointment, subject to any rules applicable to the relevant benefit (as amended from time to time). Further details of these benefits are available on the intranet.
We believe employees should be recognised for their hard work and contribution to the University's growth and success and offer an attractive range of competitive benefits to all staff:
Your Benefits:
2. Competitive salaries
3. Standard Life Pension scheme – with employer contribution of up to 12% to the University's defined contribution scheme.
4. Long Service Recognition - £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with Vice Chancellor for 25 & 40 years of service.
5. Free Will Writing Service - Complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
6. IT & Mobile Discounts - EE Perk (20% off for family &
7. friends) & software discounts.
Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing
8. Wellbeing and Mental Health Support - 24/7 access to EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
9. Gym memberships discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
10. Eyecare Support - Free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
11. Flu Vouchers - Free flu vaccinations for staff.
12. Paycare Health Benefit Plan - Covers optical, dental, physiotherapy, and personal accident insurance.
13. Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – Access to multi-faith chaplaincy services.
Valuing You:
14. Generous Annual Leave (see table below)
15. Flexible & Agile Working - Flexible and Hybrid working arrangements.
16. Free On-site Parking - available across campuses
17. Cycle Benefits Scheme - Save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
18. Employee Discounts - Savings on groceries, fashion, and entertainment.
19. Travel Discounts - Up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.
Training and Development
20. Staff Network and Inclusion - Access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability, and Women's networks.
21. Library Access - Staff have access to books and resources at our onsite libraries.
22. Staff Scholarship Scheme - Funding for part-time higher education, up to PhD level
23. Leadership and Management Development - Access to training opportunities to support you with advancing in your career.
The University of Opportunity for Students and Staff
As part of our commitment to ensure the diversity of our staff body reflects those of the student and local communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian, or Ethnic Minority heritage, and candidates who are Disabled (including people who may not define themselves as disabled, but nevertheless encounter challenges)