Research Assistant

Hours: 1.0 FTE (35 hours per week)

Contract: Fixed term until 31^st March 2026

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant with a passion for neuro-affirming practice, to contribute to impactful research, which is focused on understanding and improving experiences of neurodivergent people in Scotland.

The post involves collaborating with academics and practitioners, within a highly successful and dynamic multi-disciplinary research-practice team, based at Queen Margaret University, co-led by Senior Research Fellows in the Scottish Government National Autism Implementation Team (2019-2026)

It is expected the post holder will bring relevant research and practice-based knowledge and experience, along with an inclusive mindset. They will contribute to the wider work of the NAIT team, demonstrate effective communication skills and have the ability to develop productive relationships within the team and with a range of external stakeholders. They will contribute to the allocated work plan set by Scottish Government and will manage their workload within key timescales.

We would be happy to receive applications from candidates with a Masters level qualification and professional experience of working in health, education, employment or justice.

Please review the essential and desirable criteria.

To arrange an informal discussion, please contact Marion Rutherford, Senior Research Fellow; email mrutherford@qmu.ac.uk  

The Closing Date for this position is 14^th August 2025 at 23:59

Interviews will be held on 3^rd September 2025

Please note, this vacancy may close earlier than the stated closing date if we receive a high volume of applications.

Should you wish to apply for the vacancy please click the 'Apply' button above to download the job description and complete an application online.

If you have any queries regarding the application process or require special assistance, please contact Human Resources by email at recruitment@qmu.ac.uk

This role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Therefore, we cannot progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK.

As a university, we are committed to the Concordat to Support the Career Development of Researchers alongside Concordat to Support Research Integrity  and  were, in fact, the first Scottish Higher Education Institute (and part of the first UK cohort of institutes) to publicly declare our commitment to its principles.

Queen Margaret University is committed to equality of opportunity for all by providing a supportive, flexible and inclusive working environment, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds. Please have a look at our Diversity, Wellbeing and Inclusion Calendar

We are proud to hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award which recognises the advancement of gender equality at QMU. Find out more about Athena SWAN here

We have a number of family-friendly policies and are happy to consider job share applications.

We are a Disability Confident Employer, should you require any specific arrangements during the recruitment process please contact Human Resources on recruitment@qmu.ac.uk

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