Research Associate

Job details

College

College of Business, Law and Social Sciences

Responsible to

Professor of Sustainability and Accounting

Location

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Salary

£27,979 to £42,978 per annum, pro rata

Closing date

Sunday 14 April 2024

Contract type

Fixed term contract until 31/10/2026

Post type

Part-time

Adaptive working type

Hybrid
This role will be based on site, primarily in the named location with the opportunity to work remotely available in line with our Adaptive Working Framework .

Reference

0584-23-R

About the role

The externally funded three-year project, funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, Transforming Responsive and Relational Autonomy in the Garment Sector of the UK and Bangladesh (THRREADS); aims to achieve economic and social sustainability in the ready-made garment and fashion sector and improve autonomy in the workplace. The team of interdisciplinary researchers—led by the University of Essex, in partnership with the University of Derby, Manchester Metropolitan University, and Universal College Bangladesh—plans to encourage positive long-term changes within the industry and find ways to support the garment sector employees, suppliers, and workers to foster conditions for autonomy and economic justice in their workplace.

You will be based at Derby Business School, University of Derby; and will work across all aspects of the project, assisting the Derby coordinator of the project, Professor Samsul Alam, and the entire team. The work involves leading a comparative and international study in achieving sustainability in the garment sectors of Dhaka and Leicester and requires substantial knowledge of quantitative research methods. This involves undertaking large-scale quantitative surveys and analysis, engaging in co-production methods, and synthesizing findings to a high standard.

You will be required to undertake desk-based research, develop research instruments, conduct econometric analysis, including structural equation modelling, communicate with the project team, and draft and complete project reports and papers. You will take responsibility for managing discrete aspects of THRREADS as directed by the Derby coordinator of the project.

For further information and informal enquiries regarding the role, please contact Professor Md Samsul Alam, Professor in Sustainability and Accounting via [email protected]

For enquiries regarding your application and for sponsorship eligibility, please contact the recruitment team via [email protected]

Please note this role is for 0.5 FTE per week which equates to 18.5 hours per week. This role will not be suitable for applicants already contracted to a full time position.

Upon appointment the job title for this role will be 'Researcher'.

Principal accountabilities

Under the direction of the Principal Investigator, contribute to the development of new knowledge and techniques to the research project.

Conduct a systematic and rapid literature review using online review software and engage in co-production and qualitative methods, analyse data, and synthesize findings to a high standard.

Analyse research findings and determine the need for further investigation.

Contribute to the writing up of research findings and dissemination through publications or seminar and conference presentations.

Assist with the preparation of proposals and applications to both external and/or internal bodies for funding, contractual or accreditation purposes.

Support the supervision of undergraduate projects and postgraduate research students in conjunction with other staff, and provide training and limited teaching as appropriate.

Assist in the development of student research skills, for example as part of a postgraduate supervision team.

Plan and manage own research activity and initiate research relevant to the discipline or research project.

Where opportunities exist within the research project(s), support the development and delivery of business engagement activities, developing entrepreneurial links with external organisations.

Contribute to the writing of collective bids for funding, and, where funders permit, write individual bids for funding with appropriate support.

Undertake appropriate training and staff development.

Provide guidance as required to other colleagues working on related research project.

Assist and help informally students working in the same research discipline.

Develop internal and external contacts with other academic staff to form collaborative relationships and assist with their research project.

Understand own development needs and formulate a personal development plan.

Observe and implement University policies and procedures.

Person specification
Essential Criteria
Qualifications

• PhD or equivalent (pending or awarded) in a relevant discipline

Experience

• Demonstrate an emerging research agenda, active engagement in high-quality research activities, and the development of a research profile
• An appropriate level of digital capability with practical experience of applications
• Evidence of sufficient breadth or depth of research methodologies and techniques to work in research area
• Evidence of engagement in high-quality research activity, including publications in reputed journals.

Skills, knowledge & abilities

• Developing research skills, with the ability to creatively apply relevant research approaches, models, techniques and methods
• Strong and demonstrable familiarity with rapid literature reviews, preferably utilizing systematic review software and meta-analysis techniques
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly both in writing and presentations
• Analytical ability to facilitate conceptual thinking, innovation and creativity
• Ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with colleagues, internally and externally
• Ability to use initiative and creativity to solve problems in a research context
• Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team

Business requirements

• Demonstrate competences, core behaviours and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University’s core values
• Flexible to the needs of others
• Committed to ensuring a high-quality student experience
• Committed to a high-performance culture, fostering continuous improvement and driving quality
• Able to take a flexible approach to work
  • Travel between sites
  • Some evening and occasional weekend work

Desirable Criteria
Experience

• Experience of assisting with grant applications
• Experience of writing publications for journals and presenting research at conferences
• Experience of generating research or knowledge exchange income

Benefits

As well as competitive pay scales, we offer generous holiday entitlement. We also offer opportunities for further salary progression based on performance, and the opportunity to join a contributory pension scheme.

Find out more about pay and rewardsFind out more about pay and rewards

How to apply

You can apply by submitting an online application. Once you have signed in or registered with us you will be able to begin your application. If you are creating an account for the first time, please ensure you provide an email address that you access regularly as this will be our main means of contacting you regarding your application.

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If you require any assistance, including the provision of any documentation in an alternative format, please contact the Recruitment team at [email protected] .

Please note all applications must be submitted online by Midnight GMT on the closing date of the vacancy.

Important information

The University is unable to sponsor the employment of international workers under the Skilled Worker route for this role; however, applications are welcome from candidates who are able to demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Please visit Applying from Overseas for more information.

What is Adaptive Working?

Adaptive working is about enabling a high-performing, flexible, and responsive work culture where the place, time, and manner of working are tailored to the specific work activity. This approach ensures that the working environment, including both physical and social surroundings, supports employees to perform at their best and meet the university's evolving needs.

In addition, adaptive working involves intentionally designing workspaces to support a range of activities and disciplines, providing the right environment for meaningful in-person connections and effective collaboration. This includes ensuring that employees have access to the necessary equipment and resources from their first day at the university.

Adaptive working encompasses different modes of working such as site-based, remote or hybrid working. It is a broad framework within which all staff can operate effectively according to their role.

Equity, diversity and inclusion

The University of Derby is committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion. However you identify, we actively celebrate the knowledge, experience and talents each person brings. Our students come from a wide range of backgrounds; therefore we are particularly interested to hear from applicants who will help our leaders and teams be more reflective of our student population.

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Further details

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Why join Derby?

Challenging, interesting and constantly changing, the University of Derby is an extraordinary place to learn and an incredibly rewarding place to work.

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The University of Derby is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our staff, students and children. At the University of Derby, safeguarding is everybody's concern.