Research Fellow (110947-1025)

For informal enquiries, please contact Georgiana Mihut (Associate Professor) at georgiana.mihut@warwick.ac.uk

We are looking to recruit a Research Fellow to work on the ESRC-funded project ‘University-level study abroad in post-Brexit UK’. The study is led by Dr Georgiana Mihut and runs until October 2027. The role is based in Education Studies, which is part of the School of Education, Learning and Communication Sciences at the University of Warwick.

The project seeks to advance current understanding about the phenomenon of study abroad and to inform relevant policy in the UK. To understand who studies abroad and with what benefits, this project uses nationally representative longitudinal secondary data from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO). The project will document the socio-economic characteristics of students who go abroad, both before and after Brexit, and how representative these students are of the wider student population. The project will also document the academic and post-graduation outcomes of study abroad participants. It will look at graduation rate, degree classification, employment status, earnings, and wellbeing and if these outcomes vary between those who studied abroad and those who did not. In addition to secondary data analysis, the project also collects and analyses data about study abroad from case study universities across the UK. This is complemented by an in-depth overview of UK’s policy on study and work abroad and a comparison with equivalent policies in Australia, Canada, and with EU-level study abroad policies.

The successful applicant will primarily focus on the analysis of secondary data from HESA and LEO.

Working closely with the research lead and another member of the team, the Research Fellow will be responsible for and engaged with a range of activities across the duration of the study, including:

• Take lead responsibility in the analysis of the Longitudinal Education Outcomes data in a restricted environment
• Conduct analysis of Higher Education Statistics Agency data
• Review specialised literature
• Contribute towards project publications
• Present findings of the project to various audiences
• Work collaboratively within a team

The successful candidate will also have the opportunity to contribute to all outputs from the study, including journal articles, research reports, and select conference presentations.

Essential job requirements:

• Hold a doctorate in social sciences that requires advanced statistical/econometric training (e.g. economics, sociology, education), or be close to completion
• Hold full accredited researcher status under the Digital Economy Act 2017 or meet the conditions to receive this accreditation.
• Be proficient in the use of SQL
• Be proficient in the use of relevant statistical analysis programmes
• Have experience implementing propensity score matching approaches
• Have excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Record keeping, data management, and meeting deadlines will be essential for this role
• Ability to explain advanced statistical concepts to a non-specialised audience

Desirable job requirements:

• Familiarity with the academic literature on study abroad
• Familiarity with LEO and HESA data

For details on the experience and skills required, please refer to the job description attached as a PDF below.

We are a world-leading research-intensive university founded in 1965. We are ranked 67th in the world and 10th in the UK. 92% of our research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.*

Find out more about us on our website.

* QS World University Rankings 2024, Research Excellence Framework 2021

CLOSING DEADLINE: Tuesday 11th November 2025 at 23:55 (GMT)

To apply, please click "Apply" below and submit an application form by the closing deadline. You will be asked to include a CV and a cover letter.

Your CV should include:

• Your education and employment history (including your most recent employment).
• Any other relevant experience (e.g. volunteering, extracurricular, etc.).
• Identify one or more recent publications that demonstrate your relevant skills for this position. If you are identifying a publication with more than one author, explain your own contributions to the publication. 

Your cover letter should explain:

• Your motivations for applying to the role.
• Using examples, how you meet the essential and desirable criteria detailed in the job description (PDF attached below).

All essential criteria must be met by candidates who are invited to interview.

You are welcome to include details of any career breaks (e.g. parental leave, caring responsibilities, sick leave).

• Interview Date: To be confirmed 
• Desired Start Date: 1st December 2025

Please note application forms must be submitted before the stated deadline - you will not be able to submit after 23:55 (even if you opened the form earlier). Only applications submitted via our official careers portal (warwick-careers.tal.net) will be considered.

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.