All Things Urban

With a history that stretches back to 1821, today Heriot-Watt is one of the UK's leading universities for business and industry. Respected and established around the world, we are renowned for producing highly employable graduates and leading-edge research.

The Oak Foundation and I-SPHERE, Heriot Watt University are delighted to offer a 9 month paid internship for a graduate researcher to carry out a combination of research and grant-making on social justice issues. The focus is on structural inequalities that impact negatively on the lives of people affected by disadvantage, particularly those living in poor housing conditions and/or who are homeless.

During this time, the intern will spend around half their time working with the Oak Foundation team directly, gaining valuable experience of philanthropy, grant-making and working with third sector organisations.They will spend the remaining half of their time undertaking an independent research project with the support of I-SPHERE.

Working with the Oak Foundation:

• Managing a small portfolio of grants and seeing them through from the initial stages of application, via analysis, to recommendations for Trustees
• Working alongside the Oak team to support their work through providing ad-hoc research into identified topics
• Liaising with Oak partners on specific projects and attending relevant meetings
• Presentation of the independent research project to Oak so relevant lessons can be applied to the programme’s work
• Contributing to the development of the programme’s five year strategy and review.

An independent research project:

The research proposal is developed anddelivered by the intern. Support, guidance and quality assurance isprovided by I-SPHERE. In addition, a research advisory group will be established with members who have significant expertise and interest in the research area.

We would especially welcome research proposals focused on areas of inequality in housing and homelessness. However, will also consider proposals on wider areas of poverty, disadvantage and social justice that are relevant to the work of Oak and I-SPHERE.

Quality research proposals shall:

•  have clear, focused research questions

• offer unique insights in areas where there is insufficient evidence
• have clear methods which can be quantitative and/or qualitative
• be both meaningful and achievable within the internship period.
• be relevant to the problems faced by people directly affected by social and economic disadvantage, and in particular by housing-related challenges.

Heriot-Watt will publish the final research report at the end of the internship period and promote findings.

Essential:

• An excellent undergraduate degree in a social science or arts and humanities discipline
• Applicants should be competent social researchers with a background in a social science or arts and humanities discipline
• Self-motivated with strong research skills
• Ability to work independently
• Good team player with good interpersonal skills
• Ability to identify and analyse difficult problems
• Strong communication skills
• Willingness to undertake travel as required
• Have a passion for social justice issues and a commitment to understanding the root causes, with a particular interest in listening to the voices of the people directly affected.

Desirable:

•  A relevant Masters or PhD degree in a social science or arts and humanities discipline.

• Voluntary and/or work experience supporting people affected by disadvantage.
• An understanding of how research can contribute to practical solutions to issues of social disadvantage and injustice.

Interns are paid the London living wage.

Interns can be based anywhere in the UK but will be required to travel (in accordance with travel restrictions) to the Oak Foundation office in London and to Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh from time to time.

Interns will normally work 35 hours per week, with a holiday entitlement of 21 days over the nine-month period.

Starting date 1st November 2020

We’re not fully sure whether this role is open to international candidates. If you would need visa sponsorship or work authorisation, we recommend checking directly with the employer before applying.