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Social science, arts and humanities researcher

Between 2006 and 2009, 2.2% of doctoral graduates, or 320 employed doctoral graduates, are known to have been working as social science, arts and humanities researchers six months after graduation.

Job Description

Doctoral level social science, arts and humanities researchers are typically found as HE researchers at the start of their careers, although many enter research roles outside the HE sector, in the private sector in a range of settings.

Much of this research work is very similar in nature to the research work the new entrant carried out as a doctoral student, with an increased level of responsibility. As a result, most entrants into these research roles should have a good idea of the basic nature of the job and many of the key responsibilities.

Social science, arts and humanities researchers plan, design and manage research projects within their area of specialism. They collect and analyse information, using a variety of research methods and analytical approaches. Research findings are then presented in a variety of written and oral forms.

A variety of different job titles are used to describe this role, including research assistant, researcher, research fellow and research associate.

Typical work activities

The nature of work activities will differ considerably due to the institution where researchers are based and the discipline that they work within. There is also some variation in the levels of autonomy, security and prestige that is enjoyed by these researchers. 

Typical work activities include:

  • Research, which may take place in library/archive or in the field depending on the subject of study
  • Identifying information and resources through the use of specialist databases and information tools
  • Publishing research findings in journals or books. Promotion may be dependent on an individual's reputation as a scholar or researcher
  • Overseeing administration. If combining research with teaching, this can take up a lot of time. Administration may include student selection, putting together teaching programmes, sitting on committees and coordinating aspects of the work in the department.

Some researchers may act as consultants to industry.

Entry requirements

Entry will frequently require a doctorate in a relevant subject. Depending on the level of the role recruiters may be seeking someone with an established track record in the discipline.

Salary

Range of typical starting salaries is £21,000 - £36,000 (salary data collected March 2011).

Sector and disciplinary information

Sector information

Doctoral graduates from 2006-9 working in this occupation were known to be employed in the following profiled sectors six months after graduation:

Disciplinary background

The most common disciplinary backgrounds for doctoral graduates (2006-2009) entering social science, arts and humanities research were:

Career stories

Zoe Knox
Lecturer, University of Leicester

"My current role includes administration, teaching and research. In terms of research, I conduct archival research, submit articles to academic journals, work on collaborative research projects, present at conferences and in other ways engage with the international community of researchers in Russian studies. The skills required to carry out all these duties, and to succeed in this competitive profession, were honed during my doctoral studies."

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