Research Assistant [Craftwork Research Project]

Cardiff Union Services Ltd; Scotland; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

Cardiff Union Services Ltd seeks an individual to assist with archaeological heritage projects aimed at community engagement in the Outer Hebrides. This role includes providing administrative support, assisting with training initiatives, and preparing materials, offering a chance to stimulate local craft enterprises while engaging remotely and on-site in a vibrant community setting.

Qualifications

• Some archaeological knowledge (studies or professional background).
• Experience or interest in outreach activities.
• Capability to manage evaluation data effectively.

Responsibilities

• Perform various administrative duties to assist the team.
• Create 'look-books' and develop sales card templates.
• Support training activities for local crafters and transcribe participant feedback.

Skills

Good communication skills

Organizational skills

Evaluation data handling

Interest in engagement or outreach

Education

Some archaeological experience

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

Job description

We are reconnecting local communities in the Outer Hebrides with their archaeological heritage through the reactivation of lost craft knowledge.

Our work has created opportunities for people to engage with local heritage through training in ancient craft skills that use sustainable, locally-sourced materials (primarily antler, but also incorporating fibre). Through dedicated heritage and craft workshops led by our archaeological team, community members have learned ancient crafts from sites on their islands and how to capitalize on these new skills. Our workshop packages have successfully led to the founding of multiple local craft enterprises and an after-school club. Trainees have now become trainers, running workshops to disseminate skills to the wider community, including those not in education, training, or employment. This work has stimulated sustainable social, economic, and cultural change in a challenging economic environment.

The team has secured HIAA Follow-on Funding to continue this work, which will involve:

1. Working with local people practicing heritage craft enterprises or beginning to embed them, to provide momentum and legacy.
2. Embedding advanced practical skills and support.
3. Expanding the methodology to other island communities, locations, and archaeological sites/collections.
4. Extending coverage to include other sustainable heritage materials and crafts.

The recruited individual will support project leads Julia Best (JB) and Ian Dennis (ID) with resource building, capacity development, administration, and preparation, as well as supporting on-island activities.

The role will:

• Perform various administrative duties to support the team in achieving its objectives.
• Assist ID in preparing physical materials.
• Create "look-books" to share archaeological evidence with learners.
• Develop sales card templates for new enterprises.
• Support JB and ID in planning activities.
• Assist in training crafters by supporting staff.
• Transcribe testimonies/surveys provided via JB.
• Help evidence activities and measure their impacts (e.g., surveying participants).

The position involves a combination of remote work (e.g., digitizing/transcribing) within the UK and on-campus work (e.g., with staff in the John Percival). The successful applicant may also travel to the Outer Hebrides. There are 110 hours of work available, with a flexible schedule depending on commitments and project needs.

Person Specification

• Some archaeological experience (studying archaeology or professional experience).
• Experience or interest in engagement or outreach work.
• Organized and capable of handling evaluation data.
• Good communication skills (email and meetings).
• Familiarity with Microsoft Word and Excel.

About The Company

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