Research Assistant - Community Studies

Research Assistant - Community Studies

Hours: Casual Worker Agreement. Approximately 370 hours over the period 15 September 2026 to 31 March 2028. Working hours are flexible and will vary according to project requirements, including occasional evenings and travel within Suffolk.

Salary: Band 4 (£17.10 per hour, plus holiday pay in accordance with University policy).

We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Assistant to join an expanding programme of externally funded community-based research at the University of Suffolk.

Working alongside experienced academic researchers, you will contribute to two exciting applied social research projects that examine community needs, experiences and opportunities across Suffolk. One project forms part of the independent Sizewell C Community Longitudinal Study, monitoring how communities experience the construction of one of the UK's largest infrastructure projects. The second supports Suffolk Community Foundation in developing an evidence-informed understanding of community needs, gaps and opportunities to inform strategic grant‑making and community investment.

This is a varied role combining academic research with community engagement. You will work across all stages of the research process, including stakeholder liaison, participant recruitment, fieldwork, organisation of research activities, qualitative data analysis, report writing and dissemination. The role also offers opportunities to contribute to the development of future research proposals and externally funded research projects.

Although based at the University of Suffolk, this is not primarily a desk‑based role. Much of the work involves engaging directly with communities, community organisations, local authorities, schools and other stakeholders across Suffolk. We are therefore looking for someone who enjoys working with people, is confident operating independently in community settings, and is committed to producing high‑quality applied research that informs policy and practice.

The role offers an excellent opportunity for an early‑career researcher, doctoral student or graduate with relevant experience to develop practical expertise in qualitative and mixed‑methods research while contributing to projects with direct impact on communities across Suffolk.

• organising and undertaking interviews, focus groups, workshops and other community engagement activities;
• building and maintaining relationships with community organisations, schools, local authorities and other stakeholders;
• supporting research design, literature reviews, participant recruitment and the organisation of fieldwork;
• contributing to qualitative data analysis, interpretation of findings, report writing and dissemination activities;
• supporting the development of future community research projects and funding applications.

You will join a small and supportive research team within the University of Suffolk delivering externally funded applied social research with direct impact on local communities. The team is led by Professor Cristian Dogaru (Principal Investigator) and Laura Polley (Co‑Investigator), who have extensive experience of community‑based research, mixed‑methods research, stakeholder engagement and applied social research. Laura's research includes action research with communities and she is currently Co‑Investigator on the Sizewell C Community Longitudinal Study.

Our research is collaborative, community‑focused and interdisciplinary. We work closely with local authorities, community organisations, schools, voluntary sector partners and other stakeholders to develop evidence that informs policy, practice and community investment across Suffolk.

As a Research Assistant, you will work closely with the Principal Investigator and Co‑Investigator while having the opportunity to develop your own research skills, take responsibility for elements of project delivery and contribute to future research development.

You are an organised and motivated researcher with an interest in applied social research and community engagement. You enjoy working with people, building…