Research Assistant in Social Network Analysis

The University of Edinburgh; Easter Howgate; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 40,000; Part time

Job summary

The University of Edinburgh is recruiting a part-time Research Assistant to contribute to a project examining how climate information flows among pastoralists in Northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia. You will design surveys, conduct interviews, and help analyse social networks to inform climate information technologies.

Experience with R or Python and Kiswahili/Borana language skills are valued. This fixed-term role (12 months, 17.5 hours per week) offers opportunities to collaborate with CIAT

Qualifications

• Experience using mixed methods including designing online surveys and conducting semi-structured interviews.
• Ability to organise workshop discussions and analyse social network data.
• Familiarity with R or Python to manage field data and visualize networks.
• Language skills in Kiswahili or Borana are highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Carry out field-based research in Northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia using social network analysis.
• Identify networked flow of climate information among pastoralists.
• Collaborate with researchers and partners including CIAT and University of Nairobi.
• Prepare academic reports and contribute to peer-reviewed journals.

Skills

Mixed methods

Semi-structured interviews

Online surveys

Data analysis

Kiswahili

Borana

R

Python

Tools

R

Python

Job description

Grade UE06: £34,610 to £39,906 per annum pro rata

CMVM / Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies / Division of Global Agriculture and Food Systems

Part Time: 17.5 hours per week (2.5 days per week)

Fixed term: for 12 months

The Opportunity:

This role with contribute towards a greater understanding of the networked flow of climate information among pastoralists in Northern Kenya and Ethiopia using social network analysis. The objective of the project is to better understand the users of climate information forecasts and the flow of climate information at the local scale with the intention of better designing climate information technologies. In this role, the research assistant will carry out field-based research in Northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia using social network analysis to identify the networked flow of climate information among pastoralists. Familiarity with mixed methods approach that combine semi-structured interviews, and survey methodologies will be essential and language skills in Kiswahili or Borana are highly desirable. Familiarity with R or Python will also be necessary to organise data from the field and visualise the social network captured in the field. This project is highly collaborative, and the research assistant will work with researchers and partners including the Alliance Biodiversity CIAT and University of Nairobi.

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The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We look for the best in the field across all disciplines and provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area. We offer the full range of academic roles and have a genuine focus on our students performance and wellbeing.

We are looking for a motivated researcher with experience using mixed methods, including designing online surveys, conducting semi-structured interviews, and organising workshop discussions. Successful candidates will provide a clear outline of their rationale for applying for the role, a concise overview of relevant experience designing research projects, and writing up projects in academic reports and peer reviewed journals. Demonstrated ability to work independently and with researchers from a range of disciplinary backgrounds is also desirable.

People have always been at the heart of our work. Our people are at the centre of the University community and everything we do. We value colleagues with drive, determination and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful flexibility that works for you.

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:

This post is part time (17.5 hours per week); however, we are open to considering flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

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Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality.

• We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from LGBTQ, disabled and/or from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates.
• We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from women and other under-represented groups in applied mathematics.

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab)

On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 24 September 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone.

Interview dates to be confirmed.