Research Assistant

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

Paisley Campus  

Full time/Part time: 5 hours

Permanent/fixed term: 31 days (contract period and work schedule to be agreed with successful candidate)

The University of West of Scotland have an exciting opportunity for a part-time Research Assistant to join the project within the School of Education and Social Science on a fixed term basis, titled: “What are they thinking? Developing a protocol to measure meta-perspectives in online environments."

This project is funded by the ESRC Digital Good research fund, and it explores the experiences of women who engage in online gaming and social media. The postholders key activities will include carrying out interviews with women who are active in these areas, transcribing and analysing the qualitative data.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• A Masters degree in Education or Social Sciences (preferred)
• Relevant Honours degree
• Previous relevant research experience
• Experience of collecting and analysing qualitative data
• Knowledge of gaming systems and communication platforms (e.g. Discord).
• Awareness of political discourse on social media.
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Skills in Word and NVivo

Applicants should be aware that this role is fully funded externally so is offered as fixed term for 31 days.  Any further extension would be considered on the renewal of that external funding.

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 (2024 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 (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.

Interview date: Friday 13^th June 2025

Please note that the appointment will be made on the first point of the salary scale (unless by exception, where evidence would need to be provided)

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 are committed signatories to the Armed Forces Covenant.

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.