Research Assistant

We have an opportunity for a Research Assistant to contribute to the ESRC Impact Acceleration Account-funded project Navigating Political Change in Local Government, working with the Principal Investigator, Dr Fred Paxton, and the project's partner organisation. The project provides structured, research-informed guidance to help senior local authority officers navigate the political transitions arising from recent changes in local government composition, including the election of Reform UK councillors and gains by the Greens and local independents across multiple authorities in 2025 and 2026. It draws on the Principal Investigator's comparative research on populist radical right parties in local government.

The successful candidate will provide research and coordination support across all three work packages: the practitioner working groups, the delivery and evaluation of pilot workshops with member councils, and the finalisation and dissemination of professionally produced training materials. The role requires strong organisational skills, clear written communication, and the ability to coordinate effectively with senior practitioners and an external partner organisation.

This post is offered on a fixed term and fractional basis for a minimum of 155 hours to be worked from the start date until 30^th April 2027. Salary will be pro-rated to the number of hours assigned to and worked by you. 

We are looking for someone to be in post as soon as possible due to funding requirements.

Informal enquiries should be directed to Dr Fred Paxton on Fred.Paxton@glasgow.ac.uk

For more information and to apply please click the 'Apply' button above

Closing date: 6^th September 2026 at 23:45pm

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

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