Research Assistant

University of the West of Scotland – Division of Psychology and Social Work

Part time:  17.5 hours per week, 2 days per week

Fixed Term: 3 months

THE POST – Research Assistant

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. 

The successful candidate will join the research project “School experiences of girls with ADHD; An intervention study” led by Dr Carrie Ballantyne and Dr Claire Wilson,and funded by the British Academy/Leverhulme Trust. The project focuses females with ADHD and what facilitates or hinders their educational experience.

A critical part of the project is carrying out data collection using photovoice methodology with the young people and their parents/caregivers. The ultimate aim of the project is to identify factors that helps girls with ADHD in their school experience and what acts as barriers. This data will inform a short intervention with school staff. You will join a dedicated team – and, through modern teaching and impactful research, continue to deliver innovative solutions to some of the world’s biggest challenges. 

The successful candidate should have the following:

• Good honours degree in Psychology
• Understanding of qualitative research methods
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to work in a research team
• Some research experience with neurodiverse groups would be an asset.

ABOUT US

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic 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 23%), 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 8^th September

Interview Date: Wednesday 18^th September

Job Description & Person Specification

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.

You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk

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.