Research Fellow (Leverhulme Trust Project) at University of Southampton: Study Youth Identity, UPSC Coaching, and Social Mobility in India

The University of Southampton is offering an exciting opportunity for an early-career scholar to join a Leverhulme Trust–funded research project titled “Transformational Coaching for Employment: Identity Formation Among Indian Youth.” This Research Fellow position is an academically rich and socially impactful role situated within the sociology of education, with a strong focus on how elite coaching systems shape the aspirations, identities, and mobility pathways of young people in India.

This project investigates one of the most competitive and influential educational pathways in India: coaching for the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) examinations. These examinations are widely regarded as a gateway into prestigious public sector careers, including administrative and governmental leadership roles. The research explores how non-formal educational environments;particularly private coaching institutes; affect how young people see themselves, construct ambition, and navigate systems of inequality.

At the heart of the project is a conceptual framework known as “coached habitus,” which examines how structured coaching environments influence identity formation and social behavior. The study aims to understand not just educational outcomes, but the deeper sociological processes that shape youth transitions from education into employment, particularly in highly stratified societies.

Research Approach and Methodology

This is a multi-method qualitative research project combining several advanced and complementary research techniques. The Research Fellow will be deeply involved in:

• Ethnographic fieldwork in Delhi, India
• Biographical and semi-structured interviews with students, coaches, and stakeholders
• Visual research methods to capture lived experiences
• Policy analysis to connect educational practice with governance frameworks

The integration of ethnographic immersion with visual and narrative-based methods ensures a holistic understanding of how coaching institutions influence youth identity formation. The findings are expected to contribute to international academic literature while also informing policy debates on education, inequality, and employability.

Role of the Research Fellow

The Research Fellow will play a central role in the successful delivery of this project. The position involves leading qualitative fieldwork in Delhi, including direct engagement with participants and systematic data collection. The Fellow will contribute across all stages of the research cycle, from study design and data gathering to analysis and dissemination.

Working closely with Dr Achala Gupta, the Fellow will also have opportunities to co-author academic publications, present at international conferences, and engage with policy stakeholders. This role is designed to support the development of a strong, independent academic profile within the global research community.

The position is expected to begin in October 2026 and offers a unique platform for early-career researchers aiming to establish themselves in the fields of sociology of education, youth studies, and qualitative research.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate is an ambitious early-career researcher with strong qualitative research skills and a deep interest in education, inequality, and youth transitions.

Applicants must demonstrate:

• A PhD (completed or near completion) in Sociology, Education, Social Policy, or a related discipline
• Strong expertise in qualitative research methods such as interviews and ethnography
• Experience in independent research and data analysis
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• A strong academic interest in education systems, youth transitions, or social inequality

Desirable attributes include prior experience conducting research in Indian urban contexts such as Delhi, familiarity with coaching systems or shadow education, and experience with visual or innovative qualitative methods. An emerging publication record will be an advantage.

Benefits and Opportunities

This position offers a highly supportive and intellectually stimulating environment. The Research Fellow will benefit from:

• A leading role in a prestigious Leverhulme Trust–funded research project
• Opportunities for high-impact academic publications
• Participation in international conferences
• Mentorship and structured academic career development
• Engagement with global policy and academic networks
• Integration into a vibrant interdisciplinary research culture

The University of Southampton promotes equality, diversity, and inclusion, ensuring a supportive environment for researchers from all backgrounds. The role also includes access to a generous benefits package, flexible working arrangements, pension contributions, and wellbeing facilities.

Application Requirements

Applicants are required to submit:

• A one-page cover letter addressing selection criteria
• A two-page CV including publication list
• A draft academic writing sample

Applications should be submitted via email or through the university’s online application portal.

Deadline for submission:

11:59 pm UK time on the closing date (not explicitly specified in the listing).

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