Research Assistant (Maternity Cover)

Hours: Part time, fixed term to cover maternity leave, 14 hours per week (0.4 contract) over 2 days a week (Monday’s and Tuesday’s)

Location: Hybrid working. Office location - 39-41 Upper Oldfield Park, Bath, BA2 3LB

Would you like to work for an organisation steeped in history but focused on the future and recognised worldwide as a centre of excellence? An organisation that promotes a healthy work/life balance and recognises and rewards achievements? If so, then Norland is the place for you.

Our TEF Gold-rated award-winning early years undergraduate degree and integrated diploma programme is world-renowned for delivering outstanding teaching, learning and outcomes for our students. We hold permanent taught degree awarding powers and offer our own BA (Hons) Early Childhood Education and Care degree alongside the prestigious Norland diploma. We have won multiple awards, including winning the UK’s top Small or Specialist Provider award on numerous occasions at the Whatuni Student Choice Awards. In 2021, Whatuni presented us with a special one-off award as the top UK university for Enhanced Graduate Outcomes.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from qualified candidates of all backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, abilities and experiences, particularly those from underrepresented groups. We believe that difference enriches our organisation and strengthens what we do. All appointments are made on merit and we are dedicated to ensuring all candidates have equal opportunities throughout our recruitment and employment practices.

We are looking to appoint a Research Assistant who, under the guidance and support of the Research Fellow/Manager, will conduct literature reviews/scoping studies, analyse primary data, produce research reports and support the Editor-in-Chief with the Norland Educare Research Journal.

You must hold a PhD (or be in the process of completing a PhD) in education or a related field of study (e.g., psychology, health). Please note this is a fixed-term post only.

The successful candidate will have experience in conducting research, collecting primary and secondary data, both qualitative and quantitative, and analysing and synthesizing findings. You will need to be confident in using databases for literature searches and have the knowledge or willingness to learn about different tools/ platforms, as required.

You will need to be a self-starter, with the ability to get on well with people, be highly organised in order to meet deadlines and work to a high level of accuracy in a fast-paced environment. A flexible approach to work and a friendly, approachable nature are key to being successful in this role.

Norland employee benefits:

• Generous holiday entitlement, including an extra day off on your birthday and 4 closure days at Christmas
• Free onsite staff parking
• Free onsite tea and coffee
• Occasional staff lunches
• Staff and departmental away days
• Life assurance scheme
• Income protection scheme with access to an employee assistance programme (EAP)
• Discounts with Sodexo
• Access to a corporate health cash plan
• Access to a digital mental health and wellbeing service
• Option to lease an electric vehicle.

To apply:

Please click on 'Apply' above and complete our online application form. You will also be asked to provide a copy of your CV and a covering letter addressed to the Principal, Dr Janet Rose.

For an informal discussion about the post, please contact Dr Rebecca Digby Vice Principal - Head of Learning, Teaching and Research rebecca.digby@norland.ac.uk 01225 904263.

For further information about Norland please visit our website at https://www.norland.ac.uk/work-at-norland/

Closing date: 9am 10 June 2026

Interview date: 24 June 2026 (online via Teams)

All candidates should ensure that they are available to attend an interview at any time on the above date before applying, alternative interview dates and times are not usually able to be offered.

Norland is committed to safeguarding and ensuring the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. The suitability of all prospective staff will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment. All offers made will be on the condition of relevant safer recruitment checks being conducted and in line with Norland’s policies and procedures.