Help shape the future of the Housing Studies Association while developing your own skills, networks and experience.

The Housing Studies Association (HSA) is looking for enthusiastic early-career researchers to join our team of volunteer ECR Assistants.

Whether you're interested in communications, events, member engagement or building research communities, these roles provide an opportunity to play an active part in the UK's leading learned society for housing research.

As an ECR Assistant, you'll work alongside HSA Board members, contribute to projects that make a real difference to our members, and gain valuable experience of supporting a national learned society.

These are voluntary positions, requiring approximately 1–2 hours per week, designed to fit around your research, studies or employment.

Why volunteer with the HSA?

As an ECR Assistant, you'll have the opportunity to:

  • Develop skills in communications, engagement, event coordination and organisational leadership.
  • Gain experience of supporting a national learned society.
  • Build your professional network by working with housing researchers from across the UK and internationally.
  • Increase your visibility within the housing research community.
  • Contribute ideas and help shape new initiatives within the Association.
  • Strengthen your CV through meaningful voluntary leadership experience.
  • Support the next stage of the HSA's development and growth.

Most importantly, you'll become part of a supportive community of researchers who are passionate about advancing housing studies.

Available Volunteer Roles

ECR Assistant (Communications & Content)

Help tell the story of housing research.

This role supports the HSA's communications by helping showcase the excellent work of our members and promoting the Association's activities.

You might:

  • Coordinate blog posts and member contributions.
  • Help promote research, events and opportunities.
  • Support social media and digital communications.
  • Develop new ideas for showcasing member work and HSA activities.

This role is ideal if you enjoy writing, communications, public engagement or creative content, or wish to learn new skills in these areas. 

ECR Assistant (Member Networks & Events)

Help build thriving research communities.

Member Networks are at the heart of the HSA, bringing together researchers with shared interests and supporting collaboration throughout the year.

You might:

  • Support Member Network Leads with planning activities.
  • Help coordinate online and in-person events.
  • Promote network activities and encourage participation.
  • Support the development of vibrant research communities.

This role is ideal if you enjoy bringing people together, organising activities and helping communities grow.

ECR Assistant (Membership Engagement & Events)

Help create an outstanding member experience.

This role focuses on helping members make the most of everything the HSA has to offer—from the moment they join through to engaging with events, networks and opportunities.

You might:

  • Support communications for new members.
  • Help promote HSA events and opportunities.
  • Assist with keeping member information and webpages up to date.
  • Help identify new ways to engage and support our members.

This role is ideal if you enjoy creating welcoming communities, improving member experiences and supporting engagement.

Shared Activities

All ECR Assistants will work collaboratively and may also contribute to:

  • Supporting communications relating to the HSA Annual Conference.
  • Participating in a light-touch rota to help coordinate general enquiries received by the Association.
  • Working together on projects that support the HSA's strategic priorities.

These activities are designed to complement each role's primary focus and provide opportunities to work across different aspects of the Association.

Who can apply?

We're looking for enthusiastic early-career researchers who:

  • Have an interest in housing research and the aims of the HSA.
  • Are keen to contribute to the housing research community.
  • Can commit approximately 1–2 hours per week.
  • Enjoy working collaboratively and bringing new ideas.
  • Are organised, reliable and proactive.

You do not need previous experience in a learned society or professional association, we welcome enthusiasm, creativity and a willingness to get involved

We particularly encourage applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds and from across the breadth of the housing studies community.

Term

Volunteer ECR Assistants are normally appointed for an initial 12-month term, with the opportunity to apply for future opportunities should they become available.

How to apply

Please send to [email protected]:

  • A short statement (maximum one page) telling us why you're interested in the role and what you hope to bring to it.
  • A brief CV (maximum two pages).

Applications will be considered by the HSA Board following an open and transparent selection process.

Please note: These are voluntary (unpaid) roles within the Housing Studies Association. They are intended to provide opportunities for involvement, professional development and service to the housing research community. They do not constitute employment with the Housing Studies Association.