Research Assistant

Times Higher Education; Stratford-upon-Avon; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of East London invites applications for a part-time Research Assistant to join the CHESS Evaluation Unit at ELPCEC on Stratford campus. This 18-month, fixed-term role supports an innovative evaluation of the East London Primary Care Education Centre, working with young people and partner organisations across east London.

You will engage with young people, design participatory methods, collect and analyse data, and contribute to policy-relevant outputs.

Qualifications

• Background in youth work with participatory and creative research methods.
• Experience with youth-facing work in north or east London.
• Willingness to undergo DBS check due to work with young people and vulnerable groups.

Responsibilities

• Design and deliver a participatory evaluation framework with surveys and interview guides.
• Recruit, train and support young people as co-researchers and facilitate creative and participatory research activities.
• Support qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, including thematic analysis.
• Managing participant data with GDPR-compliant anonymisation and secure storage.
• Drafting participant information sheets, consent forms and topic guides for young people and vulnerable groups.
• Supporting safeguarding protocols and risk assessment procedures throughout all research activity.
• Preparing evaluation briefings, reports and policy-relevant outputs, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications.
• Liaising with partner organisations, schools and community organisations across Newham, Hackney and Tower Hamlets.

Skills

Youth work background

Participatory research methods

Creative research methods

Job description

Organisation/Company UNIVERSITY OF EAST LONDON Research Field Educational sciences Researcher Profile Recognised Researcher (R2) First Stage Researcher (R1) Application Deadline 19 Oct 2026 - 00:00 (UTC) Country United Kingdom Type of Contract Other Job Status Part-time Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Not funded by a EU programme Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Location

Stratford Campus

Salary

£39,824 to £45,281 per annum inclusive of London Weighting

Post Type

Part Time

Hours per Week

14

Post Type

Fixed Term

Contract Length

18 months

Closing Date

Monday 19 October 2026

Interview Date

Monday 02 November 2026

Reference

1403-26-RA

Research Assistant (ELPCEC Evaluation)

East London Primary Care Education Centre (ELPCEC)

Centre for Health Equity and Sustainable Societies (CHESS)

University of East London

Grade: E (point scale 29)

Contract: Fixed Term – 18 months, 0.5 FTE (part-time, approximately 21 hours per week)

Location: Stratford campus, University of East London (with community outreach across east London)

The University of East London (UEL) is a careers-led, forward-thinking institution committed to making a positive impact on students, graduates and the communities it serves. As one of the most diverse universities in London, UEL is proud to conduct research that addresses real-world challenges and informs policy at national and international levels.

We are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join the Centre for Health Equity and Sustainable Societies (CHESS) Evaluation Unit, within the Institute for Connected Communities. The Evaluation Unit conducts applied research at the intersection of health, education and community wellbeing, leading rigorous, participatory evaluations of complex programmes that generate evidence which is actionable, equitable and grounded in lived experience.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the evaluation of the East London Primary Care Education Centre (ELPCEC), an 18-month pilot programme bringing together education, health and skills pathways for young people who are NEET, neurodiverse or facing multiple disadvantages. The post holder will work closely with Dr Darren Sharpe, Director of CHESS, and the wider programme team, engaging directly with young people, partner organisations and community settings across east London.

• Supporting the design and delivery of a participatory evaluation framework, including developing accessible surveys, interviewguidesand creative research tools
• Recruiting,trainingand supporting young people to act as co-researchers, andfacilitatingcreative and participatory research activities
• Supporting qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis, including thematic analysis and review of monitoring data
• Managing participant data,anonymisationand secure data storage in line with GDPR
• Drafting research documentation such as participant information sheets, consent forms and topic guides for young people and vulnerable groups
• Supporting safeguarding protocols and risk assessment procedures throughout all research activity
• Preparing evaluation briefings, reports and policy-relevant outputs, and contributing to peer-reviewed publications
• Liaising with partner organisations, schools and community organisations across Newham,Hackneyand Tower Hamlets

The right candidate will have a background in youth work and direct experience of participatory and creative research methods, along with existing knowledge of, and relationships within, youth‑facing work in north or east London.

Due to the involvement of young people and vulnerable groups in the research, the successful candidate will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams.

As an inclusive, equal‑opportunities employer, our Stonewall membership and Athena Swan awards reflect our ongoing dedication to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and we’re committed to closing the "diversity pay gap". We’re proud of the progress we’ve made and honest that there’s more to do. We’re determined to keep moving forward so everyone at UEL can thrive.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.