Contract: Fixed term for 36 months

About the role

The Department of Social Sciences at Northumbria University is seeking a highly motivated Research Fellow to support the Women’s Online Wellbeing (WOW) project chanse.org/wow. This 80% FTE, 36-month position focuses on researching digital violence against women, with an emphasis on image-based abuse.

Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team, the successful candidate will support Principal Investigator Dr. Stephanie Fohring in delivering research activities for this CHANSE/NORFACE-funded project. The WOW project is led by Northumbria University in collaboration with Örebro University (Sweden), Lleida University (Spain), SETU (Ireland), and the Polish Academy of Sciences.

The role involves conducting qualitative and quantitative research, contributing to academic publications, and supporting project dissemination through conferences, social media, and engagement activities. Applicants should have a PhD (or equivalent experience) in a relevant discipline, strong qualitative research skills, and experience in collaborative research projects.

About the team

This Research Project is being delivered within the Department of Social Science www.northumbria.ac.uk/about-us/academic-departments/social-sciences.

The Department of Social Sciences at Northumbria University is a dynamic and research-active community, internationally recognised for its work in criminology, sociology, international relations, and public policy. Our research addresses some of the most pressing global challenges, including crime and justice, social inequality, migration, identity, and political participation, shaping impactful policies and practices through collaboration with policymakers, NGOs, and industry leaders.

We foster an inclusive and interdisciplinary research culture, ensuring that our work not only advances academic knowledge but also delivers real-world impact. Our commitment to research-led teaching ensures that students engage with cutting-edge ideas and develop critical skills relevant to today’s complex social landscape. Through innovative and engaging programmes, we equip students with the knowledge and expertise to contribute meaningfully to society.

With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration, societal engagement, and real-world impact, the department provides a supportive and inspiring environment for both staff and students.

Join us in shaping the future of social sciences research and education at Northumbria University.

About you

Applicants should hold a PhD in criminology or related discipline and have demonstrable specialist expert knowledge in violence against women and girls, quantitative and/or qualitative research methods.

Further information about the requirements of the role is available in the person specification.

If you would like an informal discussion about the role, please contact ‘Dr Stephanie Fohring at stephanie.fohring@northumbria.ac.uk

About us

Northumbria University is a research-intensive university that unlocks potential for all. We change lives regionally, nationally, and internationally through education and research, tackling the global challenges of our age to transform society and the economy. Find out why we were named Times Higher Education’s University of the Year in 2022 and Modern University of the Year in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025.

Northumbria recorded the biggest rise of any UK university for research power in the Research Excellence Framework for the second time in 2021 and is now ranked top 25 in the UK for this measure.

One of the largest universities in the UK with over 37,000 students from more than 140 countries, filled with world-leading research, award-winning partnerships, and students at the heart of an outstanding experience. Discover more about us.

£40,497 to £45,412 (pro-rata)

Northumbria University

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Research Fellow (Women’s Online Wellbeing Project)