UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH WALES
PRIFYSGOL DE CYMRU
Faculty of Creative Industries
Research Assistant 0.8 FTE (CCI336)
Grade E, £27,864 - £32,277*
*appointment will be made to the minimum of the scale
*subject to pro rata
Fixed Term – 12 months from appointment
External
The main purpose of this post is to work with the Creative Industries Research Institute (including its director, research
centres and groups) to support its objective of carrying out sustainable research that is of the highest standard in terms
of originality, significance and rigour, and thereby optimise performance in any future assessment of research
excellence .
The person appointed will lead and support bids for external research funding and build external collaborations;
maintain the web presence of FCI research; help develop a strategy for presenting research impact; contribute to the
research environment; and undertake their own high-quality research and publications.
An enthusiastic and accomplished researcher is required to support the development of the University of South Wales’
creative industries research agenda. The University entered REF2014 with submissions reflecting expertise in a range
of areas relevant to creative industries including cultural studies, drama, media, and photography. In 2013, the
University established the Creative Industries Research Institute drawing together staff from these areas to provide an
ambitious and supportive base for the further development of excellent research. Staff research enters the public
domain both as traditional published academic work and as commissioned reports, exhibitions, performances and
screenings of practice as research outputs. Our research culture is highly collaborative and embraces engagement
with academic, industry and third sector partners.
The person appointed will help develop a strategy for presenting research impact; contribute to the research
environment and its administration; lead and support bids for external research funding and build external
collaborations; maintain the web presence of FCI research; and undertake their own high-quality research publications
commensurate with REF-able submissions.
The person appointed will also work closely with an existing 0.2 Research Assistant in the Creative Industries
Research Institute and with whom this 0.8 post has an element of job-sharing.
Researchers in the Creative Industries Research Institute are based across 3 of the University of South Wales’
campuses in Caerleon, Cardiff and Newport. Applicants should note that travel between these sites is a feature of the
post and the support it offers academic staff.
The ideal candidate will have completed a PhD or equivalent in a relevant field, have a sound knowledge of the current
UK research climate and funding, especially in the area of creative industries, and have experience of working
collaboratively with other academics to build partnerships and networks within and beyond HEIs. The post provides an
exciting opportunity to gain a broad range of research experience in a multidisciplinary environment.
The post is fixed-term until July 31, 2015 in the first instance. The possibility of extension will be contingent on future
research income after REF 2014.
For informal discussion please contact the Creative Industries Research Institute Director, Dr Ruth McElroy by email:
ruth.mcelroy@southwales.ac.uk
The terms and conditions of the post (including grade and salary) will be those of the University of South
Wales (based on former University of Glamorgan terms and conditions).
CLOSING DATE: Tuesday 14th October 2014
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
Research Assistant
GRADE & SALARY:
Grade E, £, £27,864 - £32,277*
*appointment will be made to the minimum of the scale
*subject to pro rata
DEPARTMENT:
Faculty of Creative Industries
Responsible to:
Ruth McElroy, Creative Industries Research Institute Director
Main Purpose of Job:
To work with the Creative Industries Research Institute (including its research centres and groups) to support its
objective to carry out research that is of the highest standard in terms of originality, significance and rigour, and thereby
optimise performance in any future assessment of research excellence .
Specifically: to lead and support bids for external funding (e.g. research councils, knowledge transfer projects) and build
external collaborations; maintain the web presence of FCI research; help develop a strategy for presenting impact
within current and future REF frameworks; contribute to the research environment; be eligible for submission to future
REF.
Principal Responsibilities and Duties:

to lead and develop new research projects across the CIRI research community;

to lead and, with academic researchers, assist in the development of bids for external funding to support
current and proposed research projects;

*to collaborate closely with the university Research Office to provide a clear understanding of grant structures
and governance;

to assist in the planning, organisation and co-ordination of research events, including conferences and
research seminars;

to support the work of CIRI's Research Centres and Groups;

to assist with the development of new external partnerships both in the UK and internationally, taking a lead
role when appropriate;

leading a review of the FCI research presence on the web; to maintain oversight of that web presence, liaising
with researchers and contributing copy as necessary;

to attend and contribute to relevant meetings, including Centre and Group meetings as required;

to plan own day-to-day activities within the framework of the current research programme(s);

to publish research at a level that could be considered for inclusion in future REF.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Essential
 Excellent oral and written communication skills

Ability to work independently and on own
initiative

Ability to work collaboratively

Ability to organise and manage small- and
large-scale research events

Ability to oversee research websites
KNOWLEDGE
Essential
 Working knowledge of UK system of Research
Councils and the funding of research.

Knowledge of a range of methods commonly
used by researchers in fields covered by CIRI Film, Television, Radio, Theatre, Media and
Communication, Creative Industries,
Photography

Outline knowledge of a range of research
partnerships between academia and the
creative industries

Knowledge of media and creative industries in
UK and international contexts

Knowledge of 'Microsoft Office' software

Familiarity with the broad outline of the REF
impact agenda and requirements
EXPERIENCE
Essential
 Working in a research-focused environment

Making/assisting in the preparation of
applications for grants to bodies relevant to the
work of the centre
Desirable
 Ability to compile data bases
Desirable
 Knowledge of media and creative industries in
Wales.

Knowledge of policy initiatives in Wales and
other national contexts.
Desirable
 Work in the media and cultural industries

Working to establish partnerships and networks
in a variety of contexts
TRAINING
Essential
 PhD or equivalent in an area relevant to the
main CIRI research themes: e.g.
media/television, theatre/performance, live art
practice, photography, practice-as-research
and applied research in the creative industries
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Essential
Desirable
 training in web design or management
Desirable
 Ability to speak welsh
It is essential that when making an application, candidates specifically address the criteria set out in the
Person Specification. This information will be used in deciding those to be shortlisted.