Research Assistant

Durham University; Durham; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading university in the UK is seeking a full-time Research Assistant passionate about social justice. The role involves conducting literature reviews, supporting bid development, and collaborating with senior researchers on safeguarding responses. Ideal candidates will have a Master's degree and relevant research experience, contributing to a collegial and inclusive environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in literature review methodologies and research knowledge.
• Research experience from a Masters' dissertation or professional experience.

Responsibilities

• Complete literature reviews and policy scoping exercises.
• Assist in developing international academic stakeholder networks.
• Write up research results and present progress clearly.

Skills

Literature Review Methodologies

Research Knowledge

Contextual Safeguarding

Education

Masters Degree in Sociology

Masters Degree in Social Policy

Masters Degree in Criminology

Masters Degree in Youth and Community Work

Masters Degree in Social Work

Job description

The Role

Applications are invited for a full-time Research Assistant with an interest in social justice. We anticipate such applicants having varied academic and professional journeys, potentially holding Masters Degrees in disciplines including Sociology, Social Policy, Criminology, Youth and Community Work, or Social Work, among others.

The postholder will undertake various scoping exercises, including literature and policy reviews, to build a multi-disciplinary and multi-country understanding of safeguarding responses to risks beyond the home. They will convert knowledge generated by staff across the GCCS into accessible and practical resources and will use these, alongside their scoping activities, to support bid development activities across the Centre.

The successful applicant should be experienced in literature review methodologies and have a sufficient grasp of theory and research knowledge relevant to Contextual Safeguarding. Research experience, including from a Masters' dissertation and/or professional experience, is essential. We are open to candidates with methodological expertise in either quantitative or qualitative research.

Responsibilities:

1. Complete literature reviews and policy scoping exercises under the supervision of senior researchers.
2. Assist the Centre Director in developing international academic stakeholder networks, including knowledge capture activities under the leadership of senior researchers in the Global Centre for Contextual Safeguarding.
3. Understand and convey information that requires careful explanation to the team or group through presentations, discussions, and meetings, contributing to research reports and publications.
4. Write up research results and present progress and outcomes to supervising bodies clearly and accurately.
5. Analyze or undertake basic research by selecting appropriate methodologies based on context and objectives.
6. Address problems affecting research objectives and deadlines by consulting with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and proposing creative solutions.
7. Liaise with research colleagues and make contacts to develop knowledge and future research collaborations.
8. Contribute to planning research projects.
9. Support student projects on research methods and equipment.
10. Foster a collegial, inclusive, and respectful working environment where everyone is treated with dignity.
11. Engage in wider citizenship activities to support the department and discipline.
12. Participate in continuing professional development through relevant training and courses.