Research Fellow (105336-0426)

Informal Queries

• For informal queries, please contact Professor Davide Nicolini at Davide.Nicolini@wbs.ac.uk.

The Organisation and Work (OW) group is recruiting for a ‘WBS Houlden Fellow’ post-doctoral position for the upcoming academic year (2026/27). The position is a fixed-term contract of 36 months.

OW is one of the leading groups of organisation and work scholars in European business schools. Our members share an interest in thinking critically about organisation, work, employment, practices, processes, institutions, and management within organisations. By creating an intellectually and socially stimulating environment, OW has been able to nurture 'thought leaders' at all levels, who conduct groundbreaking and impactful research and have published in the most prestigious management journals.

The successful candidate will join a growing group of scholars who enjoy working together in a collegiate, supportive, and developmental environment. We are proud of our group culture and we value feedback, teamwork, transparency, and discussion. Our goal is to provide an excellent environment for positive, talented, and enthusiastic academics to achieve their career and personal goals.

The postholder will divide their time between three areas of activity:

1. progressing their own research agenda and publications;
2. supporting current WBS research activity; and
3. gaining valuable teaching experience.

All Houlden Fellows will benefit from the mentoring of a Professorial colleague to help them develop their academic careers over the three-year period, and will have their own budget for research and travel.

Preference may be given to candidates who will complement the research interests and ongoing projects of the OW group. The OW group conducts research on a variety of contexts and topics, including health care (e.g., telemedical services, AI-assisted medicine, dementia care, substance use disorders), AI-assisted/algorithmic management, heritage organisations, widening-participation student initiatives, green finance, extreme contexts (i.e., contexts characterized by significant risk and disruption), and individual and organisational activism, among others. Toward being able to contribute to the group’s ongoing research immediately, candidates familiar with qualitative data collection (e.g., ethnographic, interview, archival) and analysis (e.g., thematic, content, discursive, phenomenological) will also be given preference.   

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).

Warwick Business School (WBS) is a place where big ideas meet real impact. We’re part of a world-class university, but we’re more than just our reputation. For nearly 60 years, we’ve been helping people turn ambition into action, equipping them to make a real difference in the world. 

Please view our online brochure, specifically created for candidates, to gain further insight into working at Warwick Business School. 

About Us

We were the first UK business school to achieve triple accreditation (EQUIS, AMBA, AACSB), and our programmes consistently rank among the best - view all of our rankings here. 

But what really sets us apart is how it feels to be here. We’re down to earth, collaborative, and proud to create a place where staff, students and alumni feel at home. We want your time here to be as inspiring as it is rewarding, with the support, trust, and opportunities you need to grow both professionally and personally. 

Our Vision

The world needs smart ideas, and the leaders who can bring them to life. Those ideas only matter if they can be put into practice. Our vision is simple: to shape the people and ideas that will define what comes next and ensure they have everything they need to make it happen. 

Everything we do is underpinned by our CORE values and fuelled by a Change Maker mindset. We look for this shared commitment in everyone who joins our community. We nurture that mindset every day by creating a workplace where curiosity is encouraged, ideas are shared openly, and everyone has the chance to turn bold thinking into meaningful action. 

Change Makers

• See the bigger picture. They think beyond themselves, seek out different perspectives, and consider the ripple effect of their actions.
• Challenge the norm. They question the status quo and look for better ways to make a difference. 
• Have the drive to deliver. They don’t just imagine change; they put in the work to make it happen. 

Our CORE Values 

• Curiosity. We challenge, explore, and create to build a better future. 
• Openness. We welcome ideas, feedback, and change to keep moving forward. 
• Restlessness. We’re never content to stand still; we keep striving for more. 
• Excellence. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in everything we do. 

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 74th in the world and 9th 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 2026, Complete University Guide 2026

** Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Wednesday 13th May 2026 at 11:55pm (UK Time)

To apply, please click APPLY below and submit your application by the closing deadline. 

You will be asked to include a CV and cover letter. Within these documents, please:

1. Outline your employment and education history (including your most recent employment).

2. Outline the reasons for your interest in this position.

3. Demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role with clear reference to each of the essential and desirable criteria in the Job Description (PDF attached below).

• Interview Date: To be confirmed
• Start Date: To be confirmed

Applications must be submitted by the closing deadline. Only applications submitted through our Careers Portal () will be considered.

You are welcome to include any careers breaks you may have taken (e.g. parental/caring/long-term sick leave).

Please note that if you do not evidence the essential criteria, the hiring panel may not be able to shortlist your application. For guidance on how to format a cover letter, see here.

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 recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and offer access to flexible working arrangements. For more information, see here.

We are proud to be a Living Wage employer.

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.

Rehabilitation of Ex-Offenders

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.