Research Associate (ED reference: ED13354

About us

The Department of Education is seeking a talented mixed-methods researcher with expertise in international student mobility (ISM) and/or online distance education (ODE) to join the project ‘Virtual Mobilities of International Students: towards a new model for the internationalisation of higher education?’ (VIRMOBS) funded by the Open Research Area in the Social Sciences (ORA). 

VIRMOBS is an international, comparative mixed-methods project led by Social Scientists in Canada, France and the UK. 

It examines forms of ISM where students enrol on Online Distance Education (ODE) programmes outside their home countries instead of physically travelling abroad. 

VIRMOBS seeks to examine the implications of virtual mobilities for learning, cultural experience, social inclusion, quality assurance, the value of credentials, and online security. 

It asks: are virtual mobilities more sustainable, inclusive forms of ISM, or are they low-value alternatives likely to exacerbate existing inequalities? How do different national policy and regulatory contexts influence the shape and impact of virtual mobilities? VIRMOBS will combine socio-history, quantitative and qualitative methods to shed light on the national, institutional and individual logics underpinning virtual mobilities in the three countries under study: Canada, France and the UK. We will conduct documentary research, student surveys and interviews with staff and students in three contrasting case-study universities in each of the three countries. 

About the role

You will join the UK team and be based in the Department of Education at the University of Bath. 

You will contribute to all aspects of the project with a primary focus on the UK case. 

This will include conducting desk research (literature reviews, documentary and policy analysis) and fieldwork, in particular interviews (university staff; online students) and analysing both statistical and qualitative data. 

You will collaborate with UK, France and Canada-based researchers, present findings at national and international conferences and contribute to scholarly publications with the project team.

About you 

You will have: 

A PhD in a social science discipline such as Sociology, Geography or EducationExpertise in both quantitative and qualitative research methods. This includes survey design and analysis skills. An excellent understanding of the literature on international student mobility and/or global educational inequalitiesAn excellent understanding of the UK higher education policy context.Demonstrated potential to publish in high quality, peer reviewed journals. An ability to work independently and collaboratively. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.Excellent work ethics and demonstrable commitment to research quality and integrity.Proficiency in French is desirable but not essential.

Additional information

As a member of Research Staff at the University of Bath, you will be encouraged to take up a minimum of 10 days professional development pro rata per year.

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Aline Courtois ([email protected]) or Sazana Jayadeva ([email protected]). 

We consider ourselves to be a university where difference is celebrated, respected and encouraged. We have an excellent international reputation with staff from over 60 different nations and have made a positive commitment towards gender equality and intersectionality receiving a Silver Athena SWAN award. We truly believe that diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds will lead to a better environment for our employees and students and encourage applications from all genders, backgrounds, and communities, particularly from under-represented groups, and value the positive impact that will have on the university. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for our students, staff, and community by reinforcing our Safer Recruitment commitment.

We're very proud to be a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. an accredited Disability Confident Leader; autism friendly university, committed to building disability confidence and supporting disabled staff. 

What we can offer you

We're continually expanding our benefits package to better support you and enhance your experience with us and the below is just an example of some of the many great benefits we offer:

Free counselling services through Health AssuredCycle to work schemeElectric vehicle salary sacrifice schemeStaff discount at Team Bath gymStaff discounts on postgraduate tuition feesStaff discount on language coursesGenerous employer contributory pension schemesGenerous annual leave allowance with an additional 5 discretionary days so that you can enjoy a positive work life balanceA wide range of personal and professional development opportunities including Apprenticeships, LinkedIn Learning and moreFree entry to the Holburne Museum in BathLocal discounts and moreA family-friendly workplace An excellent reward package that recognises the talents of our diverse workforceRelocation allowanceVisa reimbursement and Interest-Free Loan to help with the cost of some immigration expenses

Find out more about our benefits and watch the video to hear from our staff about what makes the University of Bath a great place to work as well as following us X and LinkedIn.

                                              

Closing Date: 03 Feb 2026

Department: Education & Research

Salary: £38,784 to £46,049