Job Purpose

This role offers an outstanding opportunity to make a leading contribution to the European Research Council (ERC) Consolidator project ‘Art and Policy in the Global Contemporary: Examining the role of the arts in the production of public policy’ (POLART) (2024-2029). You will be a member of the project team that will examine the relationship between art and policy through a double focus: on the one hand, an investigation of how the arts shape, steer and reform public policy, and on the other, how policy issues may alter the contemporary artistic canon and forms of engagement.

The position offers the successful candidate a chance to shape this important new interdisciplinary field, whilst benefitting from the wider career development opportunities available through the globally recognised division of Urban Studies and Social Policy at the University of Glasgow.

The role involves a leading contribution towards the design, delivery and analysis of empirical work in the project, as well as to the writing and submission of research publications. The post-holder will also be expected to participate in policy and public engagement activities.

This post will be based in Urban Studies and Social Policy, School of Social & Political Sciences in Glasgow, Gilmorehill Campus.  We do, however, have flexibility in regard to where the postholder will be based and will be happy to discuss this in more detail at the interview. Please note that there is an expectation that the successful candidate will need to travel to Glasgow on a regular basis as required by the project. The University will not cover the cost of overnight stays or travel costs to visit the Gilmorehill Campus in Glasgow and the successful candidate will need to be based in the UK for the duration of the contract.

For more information about POLART please visit : https://www.gla.ac.uk/schools/socialpolitical/research/research-projects/polart. Additionally, the PI is happy to be contacted for an informal discussion about the role.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal Investigator (PI) and the other team members as appropriate:

Research

1.      Support the planning, design and implementation of the project in conjunction with the project team, providing advice and guidance in areas that relate to artistic practice;

2.      Take the lead on the design and development of practice-based research, to be exhibited at project events as required.

3.      Liaise with the PI and the team regularly to discuss on-going research, identify key issues and themes, and compare and synthesise data and findings.

4.      Take the lead on presenting and writing-up of practice-based research: the documentation of research processes for inclusion in papers, reports and presentations and all other forms of practice-based outputs, and presentation of designated parts of such papers, reports and presentations.

5.      Maintain accurate and up-to-date records documenting the research process and regularly report on progress at research meetings.

6.      Be responsible for ensuring that all data are processed and managed in compliance with applicable legislation, ethics regulations and School policies.

7.      Liaise with external colleagues around related research and possible opportunities for collaboration.

Dissemination and Engagement

8.      Participate in the effective dissemination of research findings and creation of training materials to diverse audiences (including through presentation of artistic and creative work at appropriate national and international workshops and conferences).

9.      Provide content on research findings for publicity materials and the website and participate in social media and press communications.

10.   Support the organisation of meetings and knowledge exchange and engagement events organised with research stakeholders including policy makers, practitioners and members of the public.

Other activities

11.   Contribute to the overall success and legacy of the project by developing an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to working with other research networks in order to exchange research findings, share and develop methodological expertise and explore opportunities for cross-cutting analysis and interdisciplinary publication.

12.   Identify potential areas for development and opportunities for additional funding and contribute to the preparation of field-related research proposals and grant applications to external funding bodies.

13.   To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan - Inspiring People – Changing the World. http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/strategy/people/

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential

A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.

A2 Knowledge of a range of qualitative methods including participant observation, interview and discourse analysis and willingness to undertake training as required.

Desirable

B1 Have a PhD in Art practice/theory/history/curation;

B2 Familiarity with research literature on socially-engaged art, large international exhibitions (their design, delivery and impact) and the field of art and politics.

Skills

Essential

C1 Capacity to undertake practice-based research in the field;

C2 Ability to analyse and organise resources in order to manage time and workload effectively;

C3 Research creativity and strong inter-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate;

C4 Demonstrable ability to interpret, explain, present and communicate the results of qualitative data analysis to different audiences (including academics, policy makers, practitioners and other non-specialists); C5 Proven initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently and/or as part of a team;

C6 Good data management skills, including open access.

Experience 

Essential

E1 A track record of studio and exhibition practice

E2 Demonstrable experience of practice and research in contemporary art

E3 Experience and interest in communicating and disseminating creative practice to a wide range of stakeholders

E4 Experience of involvement in the creative industries both in the United Kingdom and internationally

E5 Ability to demonstrate a degree of independence as illustrated by identification of research objectives through practice

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact the PI, Professor Sotiria Grek, Sotiria.Grek@glasgow.ac.uk

Terms and Conditions

Salary Grade 7, £41,064 -  £46,049 per annum, pro rata

This post is part time (4 hours per week - there will be some flexibility in how these hours are worked and will be in agreement with Line Manager) and the post is fixed term for up to 42 months (ideally starting early January 2026).

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension , benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community here.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/benefits-salary-and-flexible-working for more information.

Closing date : 14 October 2025 @23:45