Research Assistant

University of the West of Scotland – School of Education & Social Sciences

An exciting Opportunity within the School of Education and Social Sciences at the University of the West of Scotland is now available!

We are seeking a part-time fixed term Research Assistant (20 days work between June and January).

The successful candidate will join the research project: Co-Production and Contextualised Safeguarding at UWS which is a joint project which works alongside COVEY Befriending, and South Lanarkshire Social Work. The aim of the project is to work alongside care and justice experienced young people to help co-produce the contextualised safeguarding policy within South Lanarkshire.  The project is using a peer-researcher approach to gathering data so the post-holder should have experience of working alongside young people via a co-production process.

This opportunity may suit a PG student with an interest and experience in youth justice, criminology, social work, and creative research methods. It offers some flexibility around how the successful applicant would fulfil the hours. Data collection would occur within South Lanarkshire and will include evening work.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• An undergraduate degree in a suitable area, e.g: social work, social sciences, criminology, community education.
• Experience of qualitative data collection.
• Experience of working alongside young people.
• Research skills: literature review, interviewing, data collection, data analysis, report writing.
• Knowledge of contextualised safeguarding.

ABOUT US

You will join a dedicated team who strive to continuously inspire our students and wider University community – and, through modern teaching and impactful research, continue to deliver innovative solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges. 

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others. 

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2023 Young University Rankings).

The School of Education & Social Sciences at UWS combines sector-leading education provision with strong expertise in social science teaching and research in the west of Scotland and beyond. You will join a supportive and committed team, playing a crucial role in the School’s commitment to social justice and making a difference locally, nationally and internationally. Our students benefit from innovative, practice-focused and research-informed courses, and deep-rooted partnerships with leading organisations across the world.

UWS is fully committed to the UK Concordat to support the Career Development of Researchers which sets out clear standards that research staff can expect from the University. It aims to improve the employment and support for research careers in the UK and provides a framework for career development based around the Concordat principles.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 35 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (currently 19.3%), including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme.
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Closing Date: Sunday 12^th May 2024

Interview Date: W/C Monday 20^th May 2024

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.