The Placement Fellows Scheme, jointly funded by the ESRC and a host 'partner organisation' (eg Government Department, Devolved Administration) allows for social science researchers to spend time in that organisation to undertake policy-relevant research and to upgrade the research skills of 'partner organisation' employees.
Current placement opportunities
Previous placement opportunities
Aims
- To promote knowledge transfer between academic departments and 'partner organisations' and the staff employed in them
- To provide 'partner organisations' with research-informed evidence to develop and review policy
- To expand networks for 'partner organisations' into academia
- To provide career development opportunities and offer skills updating
- To enable all parties, including ESRC, to develop their understanding of research and policymaking processes and the interactions between them
Eligibility
Normally the fellowship will be taken up by those in early-mid-career, that is, those having been involved in research for 5-10 years after completing their PhD. In exceptional circumstances, a more experienced applicant may be appointed.
Duration
The minimum period for a fellowship will be three/four months and the maximum a year. Some flexibility might be negotiated on the proportion of a fellow's time devoted to the award. Shorter awards would be expected to be full-time.
Location
Fellows would normally be expected to spend at least 50 per cent of the fellowship in the host organisation's offices, although some work might require time to be spent at other locations in the UK or abroad.
Conditions of work
Fellows must adhere to the ESRC's requirements of independence from political, commercial or sectional interest through the placement. Fellows will need to give undertakings to respect a confidentiality agreement, specifying that data on policy advice and internal debate will not be disclosed without prior written agreement of the host departments.
Funding arrangements
During the fellowship, the fellow will remain employed by her/his academic institution. All agreed costs will be shared equally by the ESRC and the host department.
Management and supervision
The host department will nominate a line manager to whom the fellow would report. The ESRC will nominate a contact person who would be actively informed about the progress of the placement.
Application, selection and review processes
Applicants will be invited to submit up to 1,000 words maximum on how their experience and knowledge would be applied to undertake the tasks specified by and requirements of the 'partner organisation'. A CV of not more than a page should be attached; two referees nominated (one from academia, the other from user background); and a statement of approval from your employer agreeing to your release and accepting the conditions of the scheme supplied. Applications will be processed within ESRC and prepared for a selection panel. Shortlisted applicants may be referred to the host department for interview. There will be ongoing monitoring throughout the placement by the fellow's supervisor and nominated ESRC contact. The host partner will also be asked to provide a report on the fellow's outputs that might be used as a contribution to the RAE and for career progression purposes. The fellow will provide a report within one month of the placement concluding. A further report will be produced after 12 months of the end of the placement by the fellow and the host partner on the short term impact of the placement.
Application form
If you have any queries regarding the scheme telephone Lesley Lilley, Senior Policy Manager on 01793 413033, or email knowledgetransfer@esrc.ac.uk. Please complete the application form and return it to:
ESRC Registry
Polaris House
North Star Avenue
Swindon SN2 1UJ
An additional electronic copy should be sent to lesley.lilley@esrc.ac.uk