Research Assistant

Job Purpose

You will assist the Centre’s Director, Professor Nicola McEwen, on completion of a project exploring devolution and intergovernmental relations. You will be part of a vibrant and driven team of academic researchers and professional services colleagues in the Centre for Public Policy, committed to connecting evidence with practice. The successful candidate will be expected to support data collation and analysis, as directed, assist with coding, compile a bibliography, and support production of a report.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the CPP Director:

1.           Plan and conduct assigned research tasks in line with project deliverables.

2.           Map key outputs and timelines in relation to political developments, as directed.

3.           Gather, code and analyse documentary sources, including parliamentary debates, political speeches and witness testimony in parliamentary committees and the Covid inquiry, using NVIVO software.

4.           Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed publications, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

5.           Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

6.           Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

7.           Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.

8.           Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure

9.           Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

10.        Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate

11.        Undertake any other reasonable duties relevant to the project, as required by the CPP Director.

12.        Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University Strategy

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential

A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a social science subject. or specialist theoretical or practical knowledge in the subject. It is expected that the successful candidate will have evidence of research-based study towards a postgraduate qualification, such as a PhD.

A2 Research-based knowledge of devolution, Brexit and/or public policy.

Skills

Essential

C1 Excellent qualitative research methods skills, including proven ability to use Nvivo.

C2 Excellent written communication skills, including ability to communicate complex data/concepts concisely to non-academic audiences.

Experience

Essential

E1 Proven ability to take direction, work flexibly and deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

E2 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,951 - £37,694 per annum pro rata.

This post is part time (15 hours per week) and fixed term for up to 5 months (with an anticipated start date of early March 2026).

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.