Postdoctoral Research Associate
COLLEGE OF SOCIAL SCIENCES
SCHOOL OF XXX
Research And Teaching
-GRADE 7
Job Purpose
To play a leading role on the project entitled, “XXX”, within the School of XXX in the
College of Social Sciences. To demonstrate a degree of leadership in publishing
work and the capacity to act with a degree of independence to determine the
direction of the research project. Support the PI in the successful delivery of the
project.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
1. To play a leading role in the planning, design and implementation of the project in
conjunction with the relevant collaborators, including undertaking literature and
database searches and carry out literature reviews.
2. Contribute to all stages of the research from data collection to data analysis and
writing up. The research will involve [amend as appropriate] quantitative analysis of
key market data; qualitative analysis of interviews with key participants; knowledge
exchange, and theoretical work in the field.
3. Take the lead on writing up of research findings; the documentation of research
results for inclusion in papers, reports and presentations, and preparation of
designated parts of such papers, reports and presentations.
4. Effective dissemination of research findings and training materials to diverse
audience (including through publications in peer-reviewed journals, presentation of
results at appropriate national and international workshops and conferences, etc.).
5. Keep up to date with current developments in the research area and relevant
research methods, and to advance through self-driven research and study.
6. Develop and maintain external and internal collaborations, including colleagues in
the research team, and participate in team meetings/discussions and research group
activities.
7. To support colleagues and supervise less experienced members of the project
team including undergraduate students.
8. To make a significant contribution to applications for funding as appropriate.
9. Other project duties as required by the line manager.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Essential:
A3 Appropriate good first degree in relevant subject.
A4 PhD in relevant subject or the equivalent research experience.
Desirable:
B1 Knowledge of contemporary debates and developments in research area.
B2 Up-to-date knowledge of the relevant research literature.
Skills
Essential
C1 Capacity to undertake quantitative and/or qualitative research in the field
C2 Ability to communicate in a variety of forms at all levels within the School, College
and University, and beyond, in the policy and academic communities.
C3 Ability to foster collegiality.
C4 Ability to produce accurate work to deadlines
C5 Ability to write clear research reports
C6 Ability to demonstrate a leadership role and manage more junior staff engaged in
research, as appropriate
Desirable
D1 Capacity to contribute to both the quantitative and qualitative elements of the
project.
D2 Potential to foster collaboration in research with other academics and policy
audiences.
D3 Capacity to communicate research to the academic and policy communities
Experience
Essential
E1 1-2 years postdoctoral research experience, or equivalent, in relevant area.
E2 Experience of employing relevant research methods
E3 Experience of managing research, whether as part of a team or as an
independent researcher managing your own research project/programme.
E4 Evidence of research presentations at conferences and seminars
Desirable
F1 Advanced experience in using a wide range of relevant research methods
Job Features
Planning and Organising
• Planning activities and working towards deadlines
• Using methodological tools where appropriate
• Assisting with designing research activities
• Assisting in the planning of research outputs
• Plan, organise and manage publication and conference presentation activities
related to one's own and team's work
• Plan, organise and manage research and administrative tasks related to one's own
and team's work
• Be responsive to emerging problems in the research methods, and adapt
accordingly
• React to junior colleagues’ needs in relation to supervision, mentoring and support.
Internal/External Relationships
• Frequent liaison with project team, external collaborators, local collaborators,
academic staff and students for the exchange of information as part of the research
process
• Liaise with a range of staff, from within the University and from other institutions,
regarding research and knowledge transfer development
Decision Making
• Prioritise own work
• In consultation with supervisors, deciding on research goals and directions
• Make informed decisions in relation to research fieldwork and research-related
activities
Problem Solving
• Numerous technical questions with regard to research issues
• Assisting with problems relating to delivery of results
• Assisting in progress towards evaluation and analysis of results
• Relatively independent resolution of issues of an academic nature arising in
research and publication work