Research Assistant in Computing Education in Cambridge

Research Assistant in Computing Education in Cambridge

Cambridge Part-Time 24000 - 36000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Cambridge Service Alliance

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join the EPICS project to collect and analyse data on primary school pupils' attitudes towards physical computing.
  • Company: University of Cambridge, renowned for its innovative research in computer science and technology.
  • Benefits: Part-time role with a competitive salary and a 2.5% pay supplement.
  • Other info: Flexible part-time position with opportunities for professional growth in a collaborative environment.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in computing education while working with passionate researchers.
  • Qualifications: Experience in qualitative and quantitative research methods, especially with primary-aged pupils.

The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.

Fixed-term: The funds for this post are available for 2 years in the first instance.

The Department of Computer Science and Technology is an academic department that encompasses computer science along with many aspects of engineering, technology and mathematics. We have a worldwide reputation for academic research with consistent top research ratings. The Department has an open and collaborative culture, supporting revolutionary fundamental computer science research, strong cross-cutting collaborations internally and externally, and ideas which transform computing outside the University. Please follow the link at: to find out more about our department.

We would like to appoint a part-time research assistant (0.2 FTE) in computing education to work for one day per week on the Exploring Physical Computing in Schools (EPICS) project, which is part of the Raspberry Pi Computing Education Research Centre (RPCERC) in the Department of Computer Science and Technology of the University of Cambridge.

The Exploring Physical Computing in Schools (EPICS) project is a five-year, longitudinal, mixed-methods project investigating primary school pupils\' attitudes and beliefs about physical computing across the UK. More information can be found online:

The position involves working on data collection, data analysis and writing up as part of the EPICS project team. This will include conducting interviews, cleaning and analysis of transcripts, and collection and analysis of a large-scale survey.

The successful candidate should have prior experience of qualitative and quantitative research methods in the context of computing education, experience of research with primary-aged pupils and their teachers, and knowledge of physical computing. An understanding of models of creativity and making will be a distinct advantage. Further details of the essential skills for the role can be found in the further particulars.

Once an offer of employment has been accepted, the successful candidate will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service check (enhanced with children\'s barred list).

Please note that in addition to the base salary stated, the successful candidate for this post will receive an additional 2.5% supplement to their pay.

Click the \'Apply\' button below to register an account with our recruitment system (if you have not already) and apply online.

Please quote reference NR47677 on your application and in any correspondence about this vacancy.

The University actively supports equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from all sections of society.

The University has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK. Please note we provide support of applying for the relevant visa (if required) and reimbursement for the cost of the first visa.

Apply online

Research Assistant in Computing Education in Cambridge employer: Cambridge Service Alliance

The University of Cambridge offers a dynamic and inclusive work environment, particularly within the Department of Computer Science and Technology, renowned for its collaborative culture and commitment to groundbreaking research. As a part-time Research Assistant in Computing Education, you will have the opportunity to contribute to innovative projects like EPICS, while benefiting from professional development and a supportive atmosphere that values diversity and creativity.

Cambridge Service Alliance

Contact Details:

Cambridge Service Alliance Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Computing Education in Cambridge

Get Involved in Online Communities

Dive into online forums and communities centred around digital learning and education, like EdTech chats on Twitter or groups on LinkedIn. Engaging in discussions and sharing your insights can help build your visibility and credibility in the sector.

Attend EdTech Meetups and Workshops

Look for local meetups or workshops focused on digital education trends. Not only do they enable us to learn about the latest in the field, but they’re also great networking opportunities to meet potential employers like Cambridge Service Alliance or other educators who might know about upcoming part-time roles.

Leverage Your University’s Resources

If you’re currently studying, make sure to tap into your university's career services. They often have connections with local businesses in the education space, plus they can help us uncover part-time job openings that aren't widely advertised.

Showcase Your Skills through Projects

Create a portfolio showcasing any relevant projects or experiences in digital learning. Whether it's designing a learning module or contributing to an e-learning platform, having tangible examples will catch the eye of hiring managers at Cambridge Service Alliance.

We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Computing Education in Cambridge

Qualitative Research Methods
Quantitative Research Methods
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Interviewing Skills
Transcription Cleaning
Survey Analysis

Some tips for your application 🫡

Highlight Your Experience in Digital Learning:When applying for a role in digital learning like the Research Assistant in Computing Education at Cambridge Service Alliance, make sure to showcase any prior experience you have in creating or managing online learning materials. We want to see how you've made an impact in previous roles, so don’t shy away from providing specific examples or projects you’ve worked on.

Showcase Relevant Skills and Tools:Mention any specific platforms or tools you’ve used in the digital learning space. For instance, if you're familiar with LMS (Learning Management Systems) or any authoring tools, include these in your CV. This demonstrates you’re not only passionate but also ready to hit the ground running at Cambridge Service Alliance.

Express Your Passion for Education:In your cover letter, we really want to feel your enthusiasm for digital learning. Talk about your motivations for joining Cambridge Service Alliance and how you hope to contribute to shaping the future of education. This is a part-time role, so highlighting your commitment and drive will go a long way!

Tailor Your CV to Stand Out:Adapt your CV specifically for the Research Assistant in Computing Education role by aligning your experiences and skills directly with the job description. Use strong action verbs and bullet points, focusing on your contributions in previous roles. We appreciate a clear, concise format that makes it easy for us at Cambridge Service Alliance to see why you’re a perfect fit.

How to prepare for a job interview at Cambridge Service Alliance

Showcase Your Digital Savvy

In the digital learning and education space, being tech-savvy is crucial. Make sure to highlight any experience you have with e-learning platforms, learning management systems, or educational software during your interview. Think about specific examples of how you’ve used these tools to enhance learning experiences – this will show Cambridge Service Alliance you’re already familiar with the landscape!

Prepare to Discuss Educational Theories

Expect questions related to educational methodologies or theories that underpin digital learning. Brush up on concepts like constructivism or blended learning and be ready to discuss how these can apply to real-world scenarios. The interviewers at Cambridge Service Alliance will appreciate your understanding of the educational principles that drive effective learning.

Flexibility & Adaptability are Key

As this is a part-time role, demonstrate how you can manage your time effectively and adapt to the dynamic demands of the position. Share examples from past experiences where you successfully balanced multiple tasks while contributing to team projects. This will reassure Cambridge Service Alliance that you’re not just a candidate but a reliable team member who can juggle responsibilities.

Portfolio and Samples Matter

Even for a part-time gig, having a portfolio of your work can really set you apart. If you've designed any e-learning modules, created educational content, or implemented any successful teaching strategies, make sure you can present those. Being ready with tangible examples from your past work will help you make a stronger case to Cambridge Service Alliance about what you bring to the table.