UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH WALES
PRIFYSGOL DE CYMRU
Faculty of Business and Society
Research Fellow (Ref: FBS563)
Grade F, *£33,242 - £38,511 per annum
*appointment will be made to the minimum of the scale
Fixed Term for 36 months
External Vacancy
Applications are invited for a three-year full-time post-doctoral research position at the Centre for Criminology at the
University of South Wales. Applicants who may wish to work part time on a job share basis will also be considered.
This project, entitled, Homicide Investigation and Forensic Science: Tracing Processes, Analysing Practices (HIFS), is
funded by the Leverhulme Trust and involves partners from two other Universities.
Despite the frequent assertion that forensic science plays a significant role within major crime investigations in
contemporary society, research to date has failed to demonstrate how criminal investigators use forensic science
resources and with what results. In turn, the ways in which policing demands have affected the development of forensic
technologies also remains poorly understood. This study seeks to remedy these shortcomings by providing a detailed
understanding of how both routine and cutting edge forensic science practice contributes to the police investigation of
homicide in England and Wales.
The aim of the research project is to provide an understanding of how forensic science practice contributes to the police
investigation of homicide in Britain. Among the main objectives of the research will be to document:
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How forensic science expertise is organised to support homicide investigation
How results obtained from the application of a range of forensic science disciplines and technologies (e.g. forensic
genetics, fingerprint comparison, mobile telephone analysis, footwear and fibre comparison, social network site
analysis etc.) are used by investigators in different police forces to develop intelligence and evidence in homicide
investigations;
How forensic science practices and their uses are themselves shaped by investigative requirements.
The research will utilise a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods including the collation and analysis of
data on homicide cases from various British police forces, analysis of documentary material, semi-structured interviews
with homicide detectives, forensic scientists and other practitioners and ethnographic observations of a small number of
‘live’ homicide investigations at various forces across Britain. Analysis of these materials, actions and activities, will
allow us to unravel how key decisions are made around the development of forensic strategies throughout different
stages of particular investigations.
We would welcome applicants with a strong track record in the use of qualitative research methodologies and who
demonstrate strong interest in homicide investigation and forensic science practice.
For further information or an informal discussion, please contact Professor Fiona Brookman on 01443 482572 or by email at: Fiona.brookman@southwales.ac.uk
The terms and conditions of the post (including grade and salary) will be those of the University of South
Wales (based on former University of Glamorgan terms and conditions).
CLOSING DATE: Wednesday, 17th September 2014
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Research Fellow – FBS563
Fixed Term for 36 months
GRADE & SALARY:
Grade F, *£33,242 - £38,511 per annum
*appointment will be made to the minimum of the scale
DEPARTMENT:
Faculty of Business and Society
Responsible to:
Principal Investigator and Project Manager
Main Purpose of Job:
The Research Fellow is responsible for: reviewing key literature to provide contextual information about the provision
of forensic science and technological support to major crime investigations across the UK; undertaking field work at
major incident rooms at up to three police forces across the UK including the analysis of documents and records of
completed homicide investigations, undertaking semi-structured in-depth interviews with relevant individuals and likely
ethnographic observations of operational practice on 'live' investigations.
Principal Responsibilities and Duties:
 Data collation and analysis
 Contributions toward article writing and dissemination of research findings
 Assist in the design and piloting of various data collection tools that would be used to gather quantitative and
qualitative information from major crime teams and forensic science organizations
 Undertake semi-structured interviews with detectives, forensic science practitioners and prosecution lawyers
 Undertake analysis of various homicide and forensic science documents and files
 Undertake ethnographic observations of homicide investigators and other practitioners during live
investigations
 In collaboration with the PI and other members of the research team, the assimilation, evaluation, analysis and
interpretation of results
 In collaboration with the PI and other members of the research team, prepare presentations, reports and
publications of research findings
 Cooperate and liaise with other members of the HIFS Project team as appropriate and required
 Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time commensurate with the grade by the Project Manager
 Undertake continuous personal and professional development which contributes to knowledge and skills within
the subject area
 Comply with University policies relating to health and safety, equality of opportunity and data management
PERSON SPECIFICATION
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Essential
 Excellent communication and interpersonal
skills
 Ability to interact effectively with detectives,
forensic scientists and other professionals
involved in homicide investigation
 Research skills (i.e. research planning,
interview skills, observational skills, data
collection, data analysis, evaluation and
interpretation of results)
 Ability, skills and/or experience of academic
writing for publication
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
 Broad base knowledge of criminology
 Working knowledge of qualitative and
quantitative research methods within the social
sciences and how they can be applied to
particular research problems
EXPERIENCE
Essential
 Demonstrated experience of using qualitative
research methods
 Experience of using quantitative research
methods
 Experience of preparing research publications
TRAINING
Essential
 PhD (or very near completion) in criminology,
sociology or a relevant discipline
 Training in the competent use of qualitative and
quantitative data analysis packages such as
NVivo and SPSS
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Essential
Desirable
 Good level of competency in the use of
qualitative and quantitative data analysis
software packages such as NVivo and SPSS.
Desirable
 Knowledge of policing and major crime
research literature
 Knowledge of the role of science and
technology within homicide investigation
Desirable
 Experience of undertaking research with/on
major crime teams and/or forensic science
teams
 Experience of having undertaken ethnographic
research
 Experience of undertaking content analysis
Desirable
Desirable
 Ability to speak Welsh
It is essential that when making an application, candidates specifically address the criteria set out in the
Person Specification. This information will be used in deciding those to be shortlisted.