Research Assistant

Job Purpose

You will contribute to an exciting, major project,
Safety Nets
, exploring the relationship between devolution and social security in the UK, working in a team led by Professor Ruth Patrick, and involving seven universities and two external partners (Resolution Foundation and Child Poverty Action Group). The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:

• Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project research strategy.
• Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
• Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow, 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.
• Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
• Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, with a particular focus on monitoring and maximising research impact.
• Carry out modest Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.
• Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
• Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School.
• Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University Strategy.

Essential:

• A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.
• A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of social policy, especially of social security, poverty and devolution.
• A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area of social policy.
• A4 Knowledge of social security policy, and recent developments, especially as they relate to poverty, social security and devolution.

Desirable:

• B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in social policy or relevant discipline.
• B2 Knowledge of impact monitoring approaches, and relevant software.

Essential:

• C1 Understanding of the impact agenda, and its applicability to the social sciences.
• C2 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
• C3 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
• C4 Appropriate time and project management skills.
• C5 Excellent IT skills.
• C6 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
• C7 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

Essential:

• E1 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher.
• E2 Experience of working as part of a team, ideally in a research context.
• E3 Proven ability to…