Grampian Local Learning Partnership - Research Assistant (Fixed Term 12 Months)

Job Summary

RGU is an innovative, inclusive, and ambitious University, focused on the impact of its demand-led teaching and research, aiming to be the UK’s leading work-integrated university by 2030. The Grampian Social Work Learning Partnership (GSWLP) is a newly constituted joint endeavour between RGU, Aberdeen City Council, Aberdeenshire Council, Moray Council and Alcohol and Drugs Action, Aberdeen.

This role of the post-holder is to support the Partnership, and in particular the GSWLP Academic co-ordinator in undertaking research and evaluation activities in relation to social work learning and development in the Grampian regional area. The role is suitable for a researcher with a keen interest in learning and development activity for social work across the broad space of the GLLP which includes social work students, and post qualification learning.

Knowledge of both quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis methods is required to allow the post holder to support mixed methods research approaches. Given the time limited nature of the role, secondments are welcome provided applicants have the approval of their own agency in advance.

This role is advertised as full time; however we would also support part time working for a suitably experienced and knowledgeable candidate.

This project is funded by the Grampian Local Learning Partnership and these activities are expected to be completed in 12 months.

We are committed to attracting and engaging a diverse range of staff and fostering a culture where everyone feels welcome, comfortable to express their ideas, and can reach their full potential. For more information, please visit Our Diverse Workforce pages.

This post is subject to a Disclosure Scotland check. For more information visit: https://www.mygov.scot/basic-disclosure/

For informal enquiries please contact Kirstin Parkes - k.parkes1@rgu.ac.uk

Job Description

PRINCIPAL DUTIES:

• Support the collection, processing and analysis of research data

• Contribute to report writing and dissemination activities

• Assist with the completion of existing research projects

• Assist with the preparation of agency, ethical and regulatory body approvals

• Assist with the preparation of funding applications

• Participate in the School's research activities, including workshops and seminars

• Carry out such other duties as may be assigned

Person Specification

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

Educated to degree level in a relevant subject

Knowledge

Knowledge of qualitative, quantitative and mixed methods research, including data collection and analysis

Excellent communication, interpersonal and report writing skills

Self-motivated with an ability to work independently and to tight deadlines

Ability to work in a team

Experience

Demonstrable experience of undertaking research activity including data collection and analysis

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and Professional Memberships

Postgrad research qualification

Knowledge

Knowledge of the social work education landscape

Experience

Experience of undertaking evaluative research projects

Travel

The post may involve travel for data collection and meetings

Behaviours

Behaviour 1: Communication - Ability to receive, understand and convey both straightforward information, and information requiring careful explanation, in a clear and accurate manner

Behaviour 2: Decision Making - Experience of using own judgement to make decisions, making collaborative decisions with others to reach conclusions and providing advice or information that will influence the decisions of others

Behaviour 3: Service Delivery - Experience of giving customers a positive and satisfactory service, by providing accurate and up to date knowledge of services available in own and related areas of work

Behaviour 4: Liaison and Networking - Experience of circulating information in an accurate and timely manner and working across team boundaries to build and strengthen working relationships

Behaviour 5: Planning and Organising Resources - Experience of planning, prioritising and organising your own work or resources to achieve agreed objectives

Behaviour 6: Analysis and Research - Experience of identifying and using a range of sources to produces reports that combine different types of data