Graduate Research Assistant / Postdoctoral Research Associate / Fellow

College of Social Sciences and International Studies 

This part-time (0.4 FTE) ESRC funded post is available from 1 September 2022 on a fixed term basis until 31 December 2023 in the College of Social Sciences and International Studies. This role offers the opportunity for hybrid working - some time on campus and some time from home.

The post

The College wishes to recruit either a Graduate Research Assistant, Postdoctoral Research Associate or a Postdoctoral Research Fellow to support the Metatalk for Writing project. This study, funded by the ESRC, will explore how metatalk (talk for writing) impacts secondary school aged students’ metalinguistic understanding and writing attainment.

The post will involve liaising with participating teachers and schools, assisting with data collection and analysis, and contributing to conference presentations and publications, as appropriate.

About you

The successful applicant will be able to present information on research progress and outcomes, communicate complex information, orally, in writing and electronically and prepare proposals and applications to external bodies.

At GRA level, applicants will be educated to first degree level or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study or equivalent experience. At PDRA level, applicants will possess a relevant PhD (or be nearing completion) or possess an equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. Applicants will and be able to demonstrate sufficient knowledge in the discipline and of research methods and techniques to work within established research programmes.

At PDRF level, applicants will possess a relevant PhD or equivalent qualification/experience in a related field of study. The successful applicant will be a nationally recognised authority in Language and Literacy Education and possess sufficient specialist knowledge in the discipline to develop research programmes and methodologies. The successful applicant will also be able to work collaboratively, supervise the work of others and act as team leader as required. You will be able to develop research objectives, projects and proposals; identify sources of research funding and contribute to the process of securing funds and make presentations at conferences and other events. The successful applicant will have experience of liaising with research participants, including teachers and schools.

All applicants should have experience of qualitative data collection and analysis and will be able to use NVIVO confidently. They will also be able to contribute to impact and engagement activity. 

Please ensure you read the Job Description and Person Specification for full details of this role by clicking on the attachment.

What we can offer you

• Freedom (and the support) to pursue your intellectual interests and to work creatively across disciplines to produce internationally exciting research;
• Support teams that understand the University wide research and teaching goals and partner with our academics accordingly
• An Innovation, Impact and Business directorate that works closely with our academics providing specialist support for external engagement and development
• Our Exeter Academic initiative supporting high performing academics to achieve their potential and develop their career
• A multitude of staff benefits including sector leading benefits around maternity, adoption and shared parental leave (up to 26 weeks full pay), Paternity leave (up to 6 weeks full pay), and a new Fertility Treatment Policy
• A beautiful campus set in the heart of stunning Devon

The University of Exeter

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 150 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2022 and QS World University Ranking 2022). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2017.

Our research income in recent years means we’re the fastest growing UK Research University with some of the world’s most influential scientists, and we seek to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today through this. 98% of our research is of international quality (2014 Research Excellence Framework). We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

Our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Commitment

With over 27,000 students and 6,400 staff from 180 different countries we offer a diverse and engaging environment where our diversity is celebrated and valued as a major strength. We are committed to creating an inclusive culture where all members of our community are supported to thrive; where diverse voices are heard through our engagement with evidence-based charter frameworks for gender (Athena SWAN), race equality (Race Equality Charter Mark), LGBTQ+ inclusion (Stonewall Diversity Champion) and as a Disability Confident employer. Whilst all applicants will be judged on merit alone, we particularly welcome applications from groups currently underrepresented within our working community. Reasonable adjustments are available for interviews and workplaces.

Further information

For further information please contact Ruth Newman, e-mail [email protected].

The closing date for completed applications is 29th May 2022. 

Please indicate which level you are applying for within your application.