Research Assistant (Programming)

The post is to contribute towards the creation of an outward facing web user interface, for non-specialists to access census data dating back to 1971, for both common geographies and also bespoke user-defined neighbourhoods. The successful candidate will work with the NI Longitudinal Study (NILS) team to produce a searchable, digital data dictionary with harmonized variables across the years of data collection to form the basis of a flexible table builder. It involves working with a team of population researchers to develop resources to open up data to non-specialists.

The successful candidate will have a background in computer/data science, and specifically have computer programming experience, working with programming languages such as Python or R, in order to develop and maintain data analysis and statistical computing applications. As this role will involve working closely alongside the project teams in the design and development of an interactive web-based data dashboard, proven experience in the creation of interactive websites is also desirable.

While this post is initially funded for 9 months, there is the possibility of an extension to 12 months.

About the person:

Applicants must evidence the following:

Essential:

• We are looking for someone who holds at least a 2:1 degree or equivalent in Data Science, Computer Science or a related field;
• Demonstrable proficiency in Python and/or R;
• Demonstrable ability to write and maintain clean, efficient, and well-documented code for data analysis and statistical tasks.

Desirable:

• Knowledge and experience in the creation of interactive data visualizations and dashboards
• Knowledge of GIS;
• Experience of working with large datasets;
• Experience of large language models;
• Experience of socially-engaged research.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information on our website.

Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.

What we offer:

Beyond a competitive salary, the University offers an attractive benefits package including a holiday entitlement of up to 8.4 weeks a year, pension schemes and development opportunities. We support staff wellbeing with flexible working options, work-life balance initiatives and support for physical and mental health. You can find more detail on all of this and more at https://www.qub.ac.uk/directorates/HumanResources/pay-reward-and-benefits/

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