Research Assistant in the Evaluation of an Early Years Language Programme

The University

At Durham University we are proud of our people.  A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally.  
Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally.  We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here  

The Role and Department

The School of Education at Durham University is one of the very best in the country and beyond.

The School represents an environment that is conducive to producing research of world-leading quality and enabling outstanding impact, in terms of its vitality and sustainability. This is evidenced by the fact that, for instance, in the most recent Research Excellence Framework exercise (REF 2021), 86.7% of the publications produced by colleagues at the School of Education was considered world leading or internationally excellent in terms of their rigour, significance and originality. At the same time research conducted at the School of Education has a strong impact beyond academia as it changes or benefits the economy, society, culture, public policy or services, health, the environment or quality of life (100% of impact case studies submitted to REF 2021 were considered outstanding in terms of their reach and significance).

The School of Education is committed to research-led teaching and diversity in approaches to accommodate needs and potential of student learners. Our current portfolio of teaching ranges from undergraduate programmes (a BA in Education Studies and a BA in Primary Education), through Postgraduate Taught Masters pathways (from MAEd to MA Research Methods) to Postgraduate Research. Overall, we are ranked 2nd in the Complete University Guide, and have a top 100 ranking in both the QS and THE 2023 World University Rankings by subject.

For more information, please visit our School pages at School of Education - Durham University

Responsibilities:

·       To conduct the EYCP evaluation research project under the direction of the Principal Investigators. 

·       To assist with the development, delivery of research objectives for the EYCP project.

·       To assist with filed-work data collection with young children and practitioners in early years settings

·       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 18 months, as the project funding is for a fixed period only. 

The post-holder is employed to work on 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 1 July.

Working at Durham 

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits: 

•    30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year – a total of 42 days per year.  
•    The University closes between Christmas and New Year – please include or delete if not applicable. 
•    We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled  into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).
•    No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered.  We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.
•    There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally.  There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to develop your career in the University.  All staff have dedicated annual time to concentrate on their personal development opportunities. 
•    Lots of support for health and wellbeing including discounted membership for our state of the art sport and gym facilities and access to a 24-7 Employee Assistance Programme.
•    On site nursery is available and children’s clubs in the summer holidays.
•    Family friendly policies, including maternity and adoption leave, which are among the most generous in the higher education sector (and likely above and beyond many employers).
•    The opportunity to take part in staff volunteering activities to make a difference in the local community
•    Discounts are available via our benefits portal including; money off at supermarkets, high street retailers, IT products such as Apple, the cinema and days out at various attractions. 
•    A salary sacrifice scheme is also available to help you take advantage of tax savings on benefits. 
•    If you are moving to Durham, we can help with removal costs and we have a dedicated team who can help you with the practicalities such as house hunting and schools.  If you need a visa, we cover most visa costs and offer an interest free loan scheme to pay for dependant visas.

Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values

Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work.  As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University’s Strategy and a central part of everything we do.  We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct.  At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It’s important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI.

We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities.  If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application.  If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role.

Contact Information 

Department contact for academic-related enquiries 

For informal enquiries please contact Dr Xiaofei Qi [email protected] , and/or Vic Menzies, [email protected] . All enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence. 

Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application 

If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email.  Please send your name along with a brief description of the problem you’re experiencing to [email protected]  

Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or +44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time.  We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays).  

University contact for general queries about the recruitment process 

How to Apply  

To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria.  

While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview.  

Submitting your application 

We prefer to receive applications online.   We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates.

What to Submit 

All applicants are asked to submit: 

• a CV and covering letter which details your experience, skills and achievements in meeting (or the potential to meet) the criteria set out below.
• A table included as an appendix to the cover letter providing detailed examples of your experience, strengths and potential against each of the essential and desirable criteria. Please note that applications without the table included will not be considered.

We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system.  Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails. 

Next Steps 

Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will include a series of short tasks and a panel interview.

In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. 

Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement https://www.durham.ac.uk/about-us/governance/information-governance/privacy-notices/privacy-notices/job-applicants/ which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data.   

When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas.

Note: Disclosure and Barring Service Requirement: DBS check will be needed when the research assistant is in post.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria:

·       A good first degree in social sciences, psychology, education (or a related subject).

·       A master’s in social sciences, psychology, education or a related subject or demonstrable equivalent 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 of working with young children.

·       Experience working with schools or early years settings (as part of research).

·       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 (including nursery practitioners, parents, project funders, and other collaborators)

·       Excellent attention to detail.

·       Strong organisational skills.

·       Strong Microsoft Office skills (including Word and Outlook).

·       Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel (e.g. experienced in using pivot tables, formulae for automation, searching and linking data).

Desirable Criteria:

·       A PhD (or be close to submission) in social sciences, psychology, education, or a related subject.

·       Experience of conducting high quality academic research.

·       Experience of preparing academic papers.

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

·       Experience of project management.

·       Understanding and practical knowledge of specific research methods, including:

·      Interviews/focus groups

·      Observations

·      Survey design

·      Quantitative data analysis

·      Thematic analysis of qualitative data

·      Experience of working on evaluation research projects.

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

·      Experience of using NVIVO or other qualitative analysis software.

·      Knowledge of evaluation research methodologies, including a good understanding of Randomised Controlled Trials.