Research Assistant - 2 positions available

About the role
This role sits within the Wellcome-funded Protecting African youth who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET) against depression project. The project will uncover the precise combination of physical, psychological, social, institutional, and environmental risks and resources predict depression trajectories among African 18-24 year-olds who are NEET in South Africa and Nigeria. 
 
As part of a multinational team, alongside contributions to the team’s wider contextual activity, you will focus on a particular project speaking to your strengths that will be co-developed with the team and our Youth Advisory Groups in both countries. This will be under the co-supervision and direction of Dr Diane Levine and Dr Zainab Mai-Bornu. You will be given the autonomy to design your own research questions within the scope of the project.
 
In this role, you will play a vital part in supporting our research team in the acquisition, evaluation, and interpretation of data and specialised information. Your responsibilities will include conducting analyses, tests, and critical evaluations using agreed techniques, novel approaches, and/or models. You will prepare and undertake high-quality data analysis and tests using appropriate methods and innovative approaches. 
Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, you will have the opportunity to contribute to the development or selection of techniques, approaches, models, and research methods. Your ability to work both independently and collaboratively will be essential as you summarise findings and disseminate them to members of the research group as appropriate. Additionally, you will have the chance to contribute to research outputs such as co-authored journal articles, technical papers, and book chapters.
 
Within this role you will also complete a PhD. One role is available with a home fee waiver / discount and one available up to and including an international fee waiver. 
About you
With a relevant degree or equivalent relevant experience, you will have practical research experience, with an ability to demonstrate further research potential and enthusiasm for the subject matter, and evidence of writing capability. Your thematic interests may include (but are not restricted to):
 
- Gender
- Africa(n) politics
- Conflict
- Youth and the environment
- Just transitions in climate-impacted contexts
- Colonialism and its impacts
- Modelling and representing interdisciplinary data
- Emerging adulthood
 
With a passion for the subject matter and carrying out research in co-productive, non-extractive way, you will be committed to professional development in the relevant area. Great communication skills are key, alongside an ability to prioritise your work and support the wider research group. 
Additional information

Informal enquiries are welcome and should be made to either Dr Zainab Mai-Bornu on [email protected] or Dr Diane Levine on [email protected]

The University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change , which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.
 
As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.
 
We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.