This Postdoctoral Research Associate position, based at Cambridge University Press & Assessment and the University of Cambridge Libraries & Archives, offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the future of research publishing. The 12-month, practice-based project focuses on scholarly communication and research culture, allowing the successful candidate to advance their research career while developing evidence-led approaches to sharing and recognizing research outputs.
The role involves leading an action research program to investigate how researchers publish, share, and receive credit for their work, identifying current system shortcomings. The associate will generate original evidence, test new approaches with research teams, and formulate recommendations to guide future publishing and open research decisions.
Quick Facts
| Opportunity | Postdoc Position |
|---|---|
| Institution | Cambridge University Press & Assessment |
| Department | University of Cambridge Libraries & Archives |
| Location | Cambridge, United Kingdom |
| Region | Europe |
| Open to | International applicants |
| Funding | Fully funded |
| Stipend / Salary | £35,200 to £45,700 |
| Duration | 12 months |
| Start date | Not specified |
| Application deadline | 15 November 2026 |
About the Position
The Postdoctoral Research Associate will be responsible for designing and executing a rigorous research program, refining questions, methods, and protocols. This includes deploying and analyzing a survey of Cambridge researchers to establish baseline publishing practices, motivations, and preferences. The role also involves reviewing existing evidence on research credit, attribution, and emerging dissemination models to inform practical interventions. Qualitative research, including interviews and participant observation with STEM and AHSS teams, will be conducted, alongside co-designing and evaluating practical interventions related to attribution, incentives, and alternative dissemination pathways. The associate will also plan workshops, analyze findings, and communicate results through reports, presentations, and academic publications.
Eligibility
- PhD in a relevant subject, or submitted PhD with completion expected before the role begins.
- Experience developing research objectives.
- Experience conducting individual and collaborative research.
- Experience designing and carrying out qualitative or mixed-methods studies.
- Experience interpreting findings rigorously and writing for publication.
- Understanding of qualitative and survey methods, research ethics, consent, and responsible data management.
- Ability to engage critically with scholarly communication, dissemination, research culture, assessment, attribution, or open research.
- Strong organizational skills, independent academic judgment, and excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work inclusively with researchers and stakeholders across disciplines.
- Desirable: Research or professional experience in scholarly communication, publishing, open research, research culture, or research assessment.
- Desirable: Experience working in STEM and/or arts, humanities, and social sciences research contexts.
- Desirable: Experience of action research, participatory research, co-design, or intervention-based research.
- Desirable: Experience designing or analyzing surveys of researchers.
- Desirable: Familiarity with contribution, research credit, or attribution frameworks such as CRediT.
- Desirable: Experience presenting research at workshops, conferences, or sector events and contributing to published outputs.
- Desirable: Experience working in partnership across academic and professional-service environments.
Benefits
- Competitive salary
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Private medical and Permanent Health Insurance
- Discretionary annual bonus
- Group personal pension scheme
- Life assurance up to 4 x annual salary
- Green travel schemes
- Flexible working requests considered
- Opportunity for Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for eligible applicants
Documents Required
- CUP Postdoctoral Research Associate JD (1).pdf
How to Apply
- Submit your application via the official online application procedure.
- Do not send your CV directly to recruiters.
- If reasonable adjustments are required due to a disability or long-term health condition, inform via the online application form.
- If experiencing technical difficulties or requiring additional support, contact the Recruiter.
FAQs
What is the working arrangement for this role?
This is a hybrid role, requiring the selected candidate to typically spend 40-60% of their time collaborating face-to-face at their dedicated location in Cambridge. Other flexible working requests will be considered.
When will interviews take place?
Shortlisted candidates can expect interviews to take place during the week commencing November 30th, 2026.
Will background checks be required?
Yes, successful applicants will be subject to satisfactory background checks, including DBS, due to working in a regulated industry.
Source: jobs.ac.uk Postdocs.
Details can change – always confirm eligibility and deadline on the official listing before applying.
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