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Role Description
Faculty/Service:
Research and Business Services
Role Title:
Senior Research Assistant (Arts and Humanities Public Policy Engagement)
Grade:
5
Category:
Senior Research Assistant
Job Purpose:
This post arises from an AHRC training grant to support the development and
delivery of a Public Policy training programme for Arts and Humanities early career
researchers. The training will consist of a mixture of activities including; plenaries,
panel discussions, small group sessions, with significant time to network and to
explore career opportunities. The objectives of the training are to:
 Explore the public policy landscape affecting the Arts and Humanities with input
from policy makers.
 To upskill researchers to confidently engage with public policy and create
personal action plans to develop public policy impact.
 Develop multi-disciplinary connections between researchers in the arts and
humanities and policy makers for the exchange and development of ideas.
 Explore career options within the public policy arena and establish contacts to
build networks beyond academia.
The role holders will be expected to work collaboratively with academic and external
collaborators in the cultural sector. The role holders will actively engage in research
and training related activities to deliver the project.
Responsible to:
Responsible to the Research Development Manager (Research and Business
Services) working closely with the AHRC CDT Academic Lead (Faculty of Arts, Design
and Social Sciences)
1. Key Responsibilities:
Specifically, the role holder’s key responsibilities will be:
 To lead the development and planning of a Public Policy Impact training programme for Arts and
Humanities early career researchers
 To support academic colleagues and collaborative partner organisations to deliver the programme
 To research and synthesise relevant academic and other literature
 To provide regular reports as directed and to attend and present at meetings as required
 To support online initiatives including the project web pages and social media
 To carry out other duties as may be required
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2. Location:
City Campus, Northumbria University, Newcastle Upon Tyne
3. Attendance Requirements:
The post is for 6 hours per week, working times are negotiable within the needs of the project. Some
travel across the North East will be required.
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Person Specification
Faculty/Service:
Role Title:
Grade:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Research and Business Services
Senior Research Assistant (Arts and Humanities Public Policy Engagement)
5
E/D
Specific Knowledge
E
 In depth knowledge of Arts and/or Humanities research
E
 An understanding of the public impact of Arts and Humanities research
D
 An awareness of public policy related issues in the cultural sector
Skills and Abilities
 A positive approach to engaging with various internal and external collaborators and
stakeholders and maintain effective working relationships
 Ability to work well both independently and as part of a small team
 Excellent organisation and planning skills including the ability to deliver targets
within a set timeframe
 Ability to communicate clearly and effectively orally and in writing
 Good numeracy skills
Experience
 Experience of undertaking research in the Arts and Humanities disciplines
 Experience of using Microsoft Office suite
 Some experience of delivering a research related project
 Some experience of engaging in inter-disciplinary research environments
Education/Training
 Studying towards a doctoral award, or recently awarded, in the relevant academic
disciplines
Other Requirements
 Willingness to work at educational and cultural venues across the North East
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
E
D
E
Legend:
E= Essential
Criteria marked as essential should indicate the minimum requirement for effective
performance in the role. It would be expected that the candidate can demonstrate
ability to meet this criteria from the outset of appointment into the post.
D = Desirable
Criteria marked as desirable should indicate what the role holder could be expected
to acquire while in post. Desirable criteria can be applied at a later stage in the
recruitment process to choose between two or more candidates all of whom meet
the essential criteria