At a Glance
- Tasks: Support impactful research on suicide prevention and self-harm policies.
- Company: Join the University of Edinburgh, a world-class institution committed to social change.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, competitive salary, hybrid working options, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a vibrant team and contribute to meaningful social impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in mental health policy while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Relevant social science degree and experience in public engagement.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
School of Health in Social Science, Counselling, Psychotherapy and Applied Social Sciences
Part-time: 14 hours per week
Fixed term: 11 months; between 4th October 2026 - 31st August 2027
The Opportunity
Discover new ways to make an impact. Unlocking Edinburgh. Here, you can continue to make a difference in everything around you. Take on new challenges, grow your career, be recognised for your contributions, and benefit from our commitment to your wellbeing. Be part of something bigger — where your work has real impact and your development matters.
The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We look for the best in the field across all disciplines and provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area. We offer the full range of academic roles and have a genuine focus on our students' performance and wellbeing.
An opportunity to join a vibrant team delivering an impact project that is informing suicide prevention and self-harm policy and practice across Scotland, and beyond. Funded by an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Impact Accelerator Award, we are looking for a Research Assistant to play a pivotal role in supporting the translation of critical social science research on suicide, self-harm and gender into action. The project - Gender, Self-Harm, and Suicide: Changing the Narratives - aims to transform how gender is addressed in self-harm and suicide policies and practices.
As Research Assistant on the Changing the Narratives project, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary team of researchers, led by Professor Amy Chandler, along with project collaborators from Public Health Scotland, Penumbra and Samaritans Scotland.
The role centres research impact, and includes helping to communicate social scientific research findings to diverse audiences of policy-makers, practitioners, and people with lived/living experiences of self-harm and suicide. You will help to organise and run public engagement events, write reports, and contribute to the production of accessible outputs, such as research briefings, podcasts, and infographics. You will also support the monitoring and evaluation of the impact of project activities.
Essential skills and experience for this role include:
- A relevant social science degree (e.g. in sociology, anthropology, psychology, social work, social policy or politics)
- A good understanding of qualitative research methods
- Experience of doing public engagement work – particularly if this relates to potentially sensitive topics (such as mental health, suicide or similar)
The post-holder will be appointable on first point of the grade due to budgetary restrictions (£34,610), with automatic increments awarded as outlined in Conditions of Service. This post is part time (14 hours per week). We are open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on‑campus working. Regular in‑person meetings are required, and there may be some in‑person events/travel. A small number of additional hours supporting another research project may be available to the successful candidate.
14621 - Research Assistant (Changing the Narratives) employer: Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 14621 - Research Assistant (Changing the Narratives)
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Allscreens Nationwide Ltd, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Allscreens Nationwide Ltd's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace 14621 - Research Assistant (Changing the Narratives)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a 14621 - Research Assistant (Changing the Narratives) at Allscreens Nationwide Ltd.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Allscreens Nationwide Ltd that you're ready to hit the ground running in the 14621 - Research Assistant (Changing the Narratives) role.
