Co-researcher job opportunity!
Overview
Boingboing Foundation is looking for people aged 16 to 25 to work as Co-researchers.
Contract type: Casual (flexible hours offered as work arises)
Pay: £13.45 per hour
Hours: Around 6 hours per week (varies)
Location: Hybrid working (in-person (Penrose House, Penrose Avenue FY4 4DJ and remote via Teams)
You would be working in a research environment, but no prior research experience is required.
About Boingboing Foundation
At Boingboing Foundation, we believe that research should be done with communities, not just on them. We are a Blackpool‑based charity that champions socially just resilience, a way of working that helps people ‘beat the odds while changing the odds’. Our approach is rooted in co‑production research: we co‑design, co‑deliver and co‑analyse everything we do alongside the people who are most affected by the issues we research.
The role
We are looking for passionate young people (aged 16–25) based in Blackpool to join our growing team of youth co‑researchers. You don’t need any previous research experience, we will provide full training. You just need to be curious, willing to share your perspectives, and committed to making things better for young people in your community.
As a youth co‑researcher you will work alongside other young people, parents, community workers and academic researchers to lead real research projects. Your day‑to‑day activities might include:
helping to decide what research questions matter most to young people in Blackpool
participatory action research (PAR), where young people are actively involved in designing, carrying out, and shaping research, not just taking part in it
co‑designing interview questions, surveys or creative research tools
conducting peer‑to‑peer interviews or focus groups (with full training and support)
making sense of what we find (data analysis) and helping to write reports, blogs or social media content
presenting findings to local decision‑makers, health professionals or at conferences, and taking part in events and engagement activities with local communities.
Using your understanding and experiences of lived experience in a professional way to inform the work
Representing the voices and perspectives of young people
Carry out basic admin tasks (emails, scheduling, documents using Microsoft Office and Teams)
Taking part in wider project activities such as team meetings, discussion groups, and peer support sessions
You will be involved in research that:
Explores the real experiences of young people and communities
Looks at the challenges people face, including inequality and unfair systems
Helps shape services so they work better for the people who use them
Role responsibilities
As a Co-researcher you will:
Contribute to participatory research and service development work
Help plan, design, and carry out research activities such as focus groups, interviews, and workshops
Work as part of a team alongside academics, practitioners, and other youth co-researchers
Support the analysis and interpretation of research findings
Person specification
We are looking for someone who:
Is aged 16–25
Is interested in learning about research
Can bring valuable lived experience and insight into inequality (e.g. related to class, gender, ethnicity, sexuality, disability, etc.) and can use this in a thoughtful and appropriate way in a work environment.
Has awareness of issues affecting people and wants to help improve them
Can share opinions and listen to others in group settings
Can build positive relationships and work well with others, treating everyone with fairness and respect
Is reliable, organised, and able to meet deadlines
Has basic IT/admin skills and can independently manage emails, video calls, calendars, and timesheets (training provided, basic level required to start)
Is comfortable with both in-person and remote working
Can proactively manage a flexible and variable schedule
Essential:
You are aged 16–25 and are living and or in education in Blackpool.
You are interested in mental health, resilience or making services better for young people.
You are willing to share your own experiences and listen respectfully to others.
You can commit to attending regular team meetings (online or in‑person) and occasional training days.
Desirable (but not essential):
You have used social media creatively (e.g., TikTok, Instagram) and would like to help us communicate research findings.
What you will gain
Accredited training in co‑production, research ethics, peer interviewing and data analysis.
A real say in research that directly influences policies and support in Blackpool.
Transferable skills for your CV, further study or future employment, critical thinking, teamwork, public speaking and project management.
A network of like‑minded young people and supportive professionals.
Payment for your time, travel and any expenses.
Application process
You can either…
1. Fill in the application form and emailing it back to Cy at the address below
2. Email / WhatsApp an audio or video recording of yourself answering the application questions
3. Contact us to arrange a time to use our IT equipment to complete your application
Cy@boingboingfoundation.org.uk or 07403 517 158
If you have any questions or need any support with an application don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Equal opportunities statement
Boingboing Foundation is committed to building a diverse, inclusive and accessible team. We particularly encourage applications from young people with lived experience of disadvantage. If you need any reasonable adjustments to apply or to take part in an interview, for example, a BSL interpreter, extra time, or a different format for the application, please let us know. We want to make the application process accessible for everyone.
Get in touch
If you are not sure whether this role is for you, or you would like to chat informally before applying, please contact Cy at Cy@boingboingfoundation.org.uk or 07403 517158. We would love to hear from you.