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.

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 available on our website for full details of this role

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.