Research Assistant

The Role

Applications are invited for a full-time Research Assistant with an in interest in social justice; we anticipate such applicants having varied academic and professional journeys, potentially holding Masters Degrees in disciplines that include Sociology, Social Policy, Criminology, Youth and Community Work, or Social Work amongst others. The postholder will be required to undertake various scoping exercises, both in terms of literature and policy reviews, to build a multi-disciplinary and multi-country understanding of safeguarding responses to risks beyond the home. They will convert knowledge generated by staff across the GCCS, into accessible and practical resources, and will use these, alongside their scoping activities to support bid development activities across the Centre.

The successful applicant will be expected to be experienced in literature review methodologies, and have a sufficient grasp of theory and research knowledge relevant to Contextual Safeguarding. Research experience, including from a Masters’ dissertation and/or professional experience, is essential, however we are open to the nature of the methodological expertise they hold be that quantitative or qualitative.

Responsibilities:

• To complete literature reviews and policy scoping exercises under the supervision of senior researchers.
• To assist the Centre Director in the development of international academic stakeholder networks, including via knowledge capture activities under the leadership of senior researchers in the Global Centre for Contextual Safeguarding.
• To understand and convey information which needs careful explanation to the team or group of people through presentations, discussions and meetings which contribute to the production of research reports and publications.
• To write up results of research work, present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research in a clear and accurate manner.
• To analyse or undertake basic research by deciding how best to apply existing methodology according to overall context and objectives.
• To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions.
• To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration.
• To contribute to the planning of research projects.
• To assist in contributing to support student projects on the use of research methods and equipment.
• To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
• To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline.
• To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses.

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