Research Assistant in Computing Education (Part-time Fixed Term)

Minderoo Centre for Technology and Democracy; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Part time

Job summary

A research institution in Cambridge is seeking a part-time research assistant to work on the Exploring Physical Computing in Schools project. The role involves data collection, analyzing interview transcripts, and contributing to research findings. Ideal candidates will have experience in research methods in computing education and knowledge of physical computing. This is a fixed-term position with a commitment of one day per week.

Benefits

2.5% supplement to base salary

Qualifications

• Prior experience of qualitative and quantitative research methods in the context of computing education.
• Experience of research with primary-aged pupils and their teachers.
• Knowledge of physical computing.
• Understanding of models of creativity and making is a distinct advantage.

Responsibilities

• Data collection, including conducting interviews and administering large-scale surveys.
• Cleaning and analysing interview transcripts.
• Contributing to the writing up of research findings as part of the EPICS project team.

Skills

Qualitative and quantitative research methods

Research with primary-aged pupils

Knowledge of physical computing

Understanding of models of creativity

Job description

Position details

Fixed‑term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

The Department of Computer Science and Technology is an academic department that encompasses computer science along with many aspects of engineering, technology and mathematics. We have a worldwide reputation for academic research with consistent top research ratings. The Department has an open and collaborative culture, supporting revolutionary fundamental computer science research, strong cross‑cutting collaborations internally and externally, and ideas which transform computing outside the University. Please follow the link at https://www.cst.cam.ac.uk to find out more about our department.

We would like to appoint a part‑time research assistant (0.2 FTE) in computing education to work for one day per week on the Exploring Physical Computing in Schools (EPICS) project, which is part of the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre (RPCERC) in the Department of Computer Science and Technology of the University of Cambridge. The EPICS project is a five‑year, longitudinal, mixed‑methods project investigating primary school pupils’ attitudes and beliefs about physical computing across the UK. More information can be found online: https://computingeducationresearch.org/projects/physical-computing/.

Responsibilities

• Data collection, including conducting interviews and administering large‑scale surveys.
• Cleaning and analysing interview transcripts.
• Contributing to the writing up of research findings as part of the EPICS project team.

Qualifications

• Prior experience of qualitative and quantitative research methods in the context of computing education.
• Experience of research with primary‑aged pupils and their teachers.
• Knowledge of physical computing.
• Understanding of models of creativity and making is a distinct advantage.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check (enhanced with children’s barred list). Please note that in addition to the base salary stated, the successful candidate for this post will receive an additional 2.5% supplement to their pay.

How to apply

Please quote reference NR47677 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy. Click the ‘Apply’ button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Equality and diversity

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society. The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. If required, we provide support for applying for the relevant visa and reimbursement for the cost of the first visa.