Research Assistant/Associate

Research Assistant/Associate :Gypsies Forging Sustainable Futures: Representing Romani Environmental Knowledge and Practices Through Traditional Metal Artwork and Dance (GFSF) 

Job Purpose

You will be based in Urban Studies. The purpose of the post is to assist with meeting the following project objectives:

(1) To increase knowledge and visibility of the environmental histories, traditions and values of Romani groups in England, Scotland and Spain;

(2) To explore how to represent these through traditional Romani visual and dance arts;

(3) To use these arts communication tools to counteract negative stereotypes of Romani people, in particular, as harming the environment;

(4) To contribute to the development of new sustainability discourses, policy and programmes that build on the lived experience of Romani peoples;

(5) To address a participation deficit in terms of the inclusion of marginalised groups, particularly Romani communities, in sustainability discourses, policy and programmes;

(6) To use visual and dance arts to enhance public education, programme development and policy on addressing the climate and other environmental crises.

 Main Duties and Responsibilities

1.       Carry out high quality research.

2.       Undertake specific data collection and analysis activities agreed with the PI.

3.       To contribute to the following work strands: literature review, mapping of traditional Romani sites; interviews with Romani community members; organisation and facilitation of focus groups; organisation of events; analysis of findings; dissemination of research.

4.       Contribute to disseminating research findings through publication and presentation.

5.       Maintain confidentiality and security of data generated by human subjects and personal data in accordance with prevailing data protection legislation (GDPR and UK DPA 2018) and ethics protocols.

6.       Analyse, interpret and assist in writing up results of research.

7.       Contribute to the production of research reports, publications, and presentations.

8.       Liaise with research colleagues and support staff on routine matters.

9.       Form and maintain positive and productive relationships with research participants and colleagues.

10.    Deal with any problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.

11.    Effectively plan own day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed programme.

12.    Continue to update own knowledge and develop skills.

13.    Participate in team meetings and contribute to team discussions and decisions.

14.    Carry out such other duties, commensurate with the grading of the post that may be assigned by the PI.

15.    Travel for fieldwork to Lanarkshire, Scotland, Sussex, England (primarily the latter).

For appointment at Grade 7

Perform the above duties with a higher degree of independence, leadership and responsibility.

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework Level 10 [Honours degree] in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent

A2. Specialist theoretical and/or practical knowledge of Roma and/or Romani culture

A3. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism

For appointment at Grade 7 :

A4. Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience, with experience of personal development in a similar or related role(s)

Skills

Essential:

C1. Excellent interpersonal, networking and communication skills

C2. Academic interviewing skills and experience

C3. Ability to work independently.

Desirable:

D1. Very good record keeping and organisational skills

D2. Very good academic writing skills

Experience

Essential:

E1 Experience in at least two of the relevant areas: Environment, Romani communities, arts, anti-racism, community development

E2. Experience of working with disadvantaged communities

E3. Experience of carrying out academic literature reviews

E4. Experience of carrying out qualitative analysis

Desirable :

F1.  Previous work with Romani communities

F2.  Lived experience as a member of a Romani community

This position will require the ability to travel to and carry out the fieldwork, primarily in Sussex, England, and occasionally in Lanarkshire, Scotland and to work occasional weekends or evenings when fieldwork requires.

Informal Enquiries should be directed to  Dr Karen Bell, [email protected]

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6/7, £32,332 - £36,024/£39,347 - £44,263 per annum pro rata.

This post is part time (10.5 hours per week) and fixed term to 30 April 2027.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.