Research Assistant

Research Assistant in the School of Education

Overview

Department: School of Education  

Grade: 6

Term: 5 months Fixed Term Contract

Salary Range:  £27,929-£28,762 per annum (pro rata) (Grade 6, spine point 22)

Closing Date: 22nd Novemember 2022 (Midnight)

Working Arrangements: This role is part time (7hrs/week)

Durham University

Durham University is one of the world's top universities with strengths across the Arts and Humanities, Sciences and Social Sciences. We are home to some of the most talented scholars and researchers from around the world who are tackling global issues and making a difference to people's lives.

The University sits in a beautiful historic city where it shares ownership of a UNESCO World Heritage Site with Durham Cathedral, the greatest Romanesque building in Western Europe. A collegiate University, Durham recruits outstanding students from across the world and offers an unmatched wider student experience.

Less than 3 hours north of London, and an hour and a half south of Edinburgh, County Durham is a region steeped in history and natural beauty. The Durham Dales, including the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, are home to breathtaking scenery and attractions. Durham offers an excellent choice of city, suburban and rural residential locations. The University provides a range of benefits including pension and childcare benefits and the University’s Relocation Manager can assist with potential schooling requirements.

Durham University seeks to promote and maintain an inclusive and supportive environment for work and study that assists all members of our University community to reach their full potential. Diversity brings strength and we welcome applications from across the international, national and regional communities that we work with and serve.

The Department

The School of Education is one of the very best UK Education schools with an outstanding reputation for excellence in teaching, research and employability of our students. Ranked joint first in REF2021 in terms of research impacts and first nationally on outputs.

The Role

Applications are invited for a Research Assistant in understanding how students with dyslexia or other reading disabilities are identified in the UK. The research project aims to develop a survey for UK practitioners to understand their evaluation process.

The successful applicant, under the guidance of the primary investigator, will be expected to

• Conduct a literature review on the topic
• Help with developing the survey instrument
• Learn and use Qualtrics to add survey items
• Collaborate with potential stakeholders
• Co-write findings from the study

Responsibilities:

• To understand and convey information which needs careful explanation to the team or group of people through presentations, discussions and meetings which contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• To write up results of research work, present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research in a clear and accurate manner.
• To analyse or undertake basic research by deciding how best to apply existing methodology according to overall context and objectives.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To assist in contributing to support student projects on the use of research methods and equipment. 
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.   

This post is fixed term for - 5 months for 7hrs/week. This project is funded by the British Educational Research Association and funding for this project is available for a period of 5 - months starting in December  2022 through April 2023

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by Decemebr 2022. 

The Requirements

Essential:

     Qualifications

A good first degree in Education, Psychology, Anthropology

Experience

Experience in conducting basic academic research or providing research assistance, including the use of standard research methods.

Demonstrable ability to produce concise and well-written reports for a range of stakeholders.

Experience in evaluating reports and our literature

Experience working with researchers at the School of Education, the Education Endowment Fund, the Nuffield foundation, or other similar organisations.  

     Skills

Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings.

Ability to manage time effectively and work to strict deadlines.

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Ability to liaise with a range of stakeholders.

Desirable:

     Qualifications

A PhD or Masters (or be close to submission) in Education, Psychology, Anthropology or a related subject.

      Experience

Experience of conducting high quality academic research.

Experience of preparing academic papers.

Ability to assist in the provision of support to student projects.

Experience in working with and identifying students with dyslexia

Experience with administering assessments to students with dyslexia

     Skills

Ability to contribute to the planning and management of independent research.

How to Apply

For informal enquiries please contact Dr. Johny Daniel ([email protected]).  All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence. 

We prefer to receive applications online via the Durham University Vacancies Site. https://www.dur.ac.uk/jobs/ . As part of the application process, you should provide details of 3 (preferably academic/research) referees and the details of your current line manager so that we may seek an employment reference.

Applications are particularly welcome from women and black and minority ethnic candidates, who are under-represented in academic posts in the University.

What to Submit

All applicants are asked to submit:

• A one-to-two-page CV
• A covering letter (no more than 500 words) which details your past research-related work experience or your work with students with dyslexia or other learning difficulties;

Next Steps

The assessment for the post will include evaluation of the CV and cover letter. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview TBC