Research Assistant/Research Associate in xxx
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF xxx
Research and Teaching
-GRADE 6/7
This is the College Research Assistant/Research Associate job description which meets the
criteria for Grade 6/7. Please do not delete/amend the job description at sections other
than those highlighted in red unless necessary to reflect the specific nature of the project.
Job Purpose
To make a contribution to the project: xxx. Specifically, the job requires expert knowledge
in the area of xxx. The post-holder will also be required to contribute to the formulation and
submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and
direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Perform the following activities in conjunction with, and under the guidance of, the Principal
Investigator (PI):
1. Contribute to the planning and conduct of assigned research, individually or jointly, in
accordance with the project deliverables and project/School/College/University research
strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining
records and databases, drafting progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of the
School/College/University, including contributing to publications of international quality in
high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of
economic/societal benefit, gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at
internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance the
research profile of the School/College/University.
5. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and assist in the
development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support
future research.
6. Participate in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group
activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the
School/College/University.
7. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate
and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure
their effective development.
8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the project and School, including
budgets/expenditure monitoring.
9. Make a modest contribution to teaching activities and associated admin as assigned by
the Head of School and in consultation with PI.
10. Contribute to outreach and recruitment activities of the School/College/University.
11. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
12. Engage in personal, professional and career development, to enhance both specialist
and transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory.
13. Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School
and/or PI.
These key tasks are not intended to be exhaustive but simply highlight a number of major
tasks which the staff member may be reasonably expected to perform.
For appointment at Research Associate Grade 7
Perform the above duties with a greater degree of leadership and independence,
particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating, publishing research and
mentoring colleagues.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications - for appointment to Research Assistant Grade 6
Essential:
A1 A first degree in a relevant subject area, or equivalent
A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge in areas relevant to the field of research
A3 Up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the wider subject
area and subject specialism
Desirable
B1 Completion of, or working towards, a PhD or equivalent in a relevant subject area
Add anything specific to the project and number accordingly, e.g.
B1 Knowledge of project-specific data sources
B2 Knowledge of specialist IT software as appropriate
Skills
Essential:
C1 Add role specific skills
C2 Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate
C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and
ability to communicate complex information, theory and concepts clearly and concisely
C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach
C5 Appropriate workload and time management skills
C6 Excellent IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate
C7 Self-motivated with ability for initiative and independent thought/working
C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach
C9 Willingness to travel to work in the UK/Europe and elsewhere as required by the
project – Add if appropriate and amend to specific country/duration and in addition
contact the College HR team for advice and guidance on working abroad
Experience
Essential:
E1 1-2 years relevant research experience in a related field
E2 Add specific to project
E3 Experience of delivering quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner
E4 Emerging track record of publications in quality journals
Knowledge/Qualifications - for appointment to Research Associate Grade 7
Essential:
A1 An awarded PhD or equivalent in a relevant subject area
A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge in areas relevant to the field of research
A3 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions
within the wider subject area and subject specialism
Desirable
Add anything specific to the project and number accordingly, e.g.
B1 Knowledge of project-specific data sources
B2 Knowledge of specialist IT software as appropriate
Skills
Re-number skills if no desirable criteria for previous section
Essential:
C1 Add role specific skills
C2 Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate
C3 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and
ability to communicate complex information, theory and concepts clearly and concisely
C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach
C5 Appropriate workload and time management skills
C6 Excellent IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate
C7 Self-motivated with ability for initiative and independent thought/working
C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach
C9 Good leadership skills including demonstrable supervisory skills as appropriate
C10 Willingness to travel to work in the UK/Europe and elsewhere as required by the
project – Add if appropriate and amend to specific country and in addition contact the
College HR team for advice and guidance on working abroad
Experience
Essential:
E1 5 years relevant research experience normally including 1-2 years postdoctoral
experience in a related field
E2 Experience of add specific to project
E3 Experience of delivering quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner
E4 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals and/
or at conferences
E5 Experience of making a leading contribution in academic activities
E6 Experience of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from
assessment of literature, design and analysis of research data and drafting of papers
E7 Experience in undertaking independent research
Desirable
F1 An emerging national or international reputation
Job Features
The following will be carried out in conjunction with, and under the guidance of, the
Principal Investigator (PI). Research Associate Grade 7 will demonstrate a degree of
independence and leadership:
Dimensions
Carry out a range of research activities and functions within academic environments of the
highest national or international quality
Publish and seek funding as appropriate to subject specialism within agreed timescales
Where appropriate informal supervision and support of less experienced members of the
project team e.g. postgraduate and project students
Undertake modest teaching or other duties in accordance with school policy and as agreed
with Head of School and PI
Engage in personal, professional and career development to enhance both specialist and
transferable skills in accordance with desired career trajectory
Planning and Organising
Management of time and prioritisation of all activities
Contribute to planning, organisation and implementation of research project on a
weekly/monthly basis
Contribute to planning research directions that are within the available budget
React to varying project needs and deadlines
Decision Making
Undertake decision making on all aspects of research project/activities within remit of the
role
Prioritise own, and where appropriate delegate to less experienced team members’,
workload
Identify appropriate journals for publications and meetings/conferences to attend
Internal/External Relationships
University colleagues: to exchange information to ensure efficient working and to facilitate
cross disciplinary working
External bodies/collaborators: proactively maintain co-operation and links at all levels to
enhance profile and reputation
Dissemination: Preparation and presentation of reports/results and participation in
meetings and conference calls within the remit of the role
Problem Solving
Research including technical and theoretical aspects, problem solving and development of
novel ideas
Awareness of project and budgetary issues
Assistance to undergraduate/postgraduate students and less experienced team members
with problems relating to the research project
Other
Representation of the School/College/University through presentations at national and
international events
Attendance at training events to learn and implement new research technologies