At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct interviews and engage with communities to gather valuable research insights.
- Company: Join the University of Suffolk's dynamic research team making a real impact.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive pay, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Perfect for early-career researchers or graduates eager to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be part of exciting community projects that shape local experiences and opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in qualitative research methods and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 17.1 - 17.1 £ per hour.
This full-time on-site position offers great opportunities for career growth. The role is a Casual Worker Agreement for approximately 370 hours from 15 September 2026 to 31 March 2028. Working hours are flexible and will vary according to project requirements, including occasional evenings and travel within Suffolk. Salary is Band 4 (£17.10 per hour, plus holiday pay in accordance with University policy).
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Assistant to join an expanding programme of externally funded community-based research at the University of Suffolk. You will contribute to two applied social research projects that examine community needs, experiences and opportunities across Suffolk. One project monitors how communities experience the construction of one of the UK’s largest infrastructure projects. The other supports Suffolk Community Foundation to inform strategic grant-making and community investment.
Responsibilities
- Organise and conduct interviews, focus groups, workshops and other community engagement activities.
- Build and maintain relationships with community organisations, schools, local authorities and other stakeholders.
- Support research design, conduct literature reviews, recruit participants and organise fieldwork.
- Contribute to qualitative data analysis, interpretation of findings, report writing and dissemination activities.
- Assist in the development of future community research projects and funding applications.
About the Team
You will join a small and supportive research team led by Professor Cristian Dogaru (Principal Investigator) and Laura Polley (Co-Investigator). The team conducts externally funded applied social research with direct impact on local communities, working closely with local authorities, community organisations, schools and voluntary sector partners.
About You
You are an organised and motivated researcher with an interest in applied social research and community engagement. You enjoy working with people, building relationships and understanding community experiences through high-quality research. You have experience of qualitative research methods such as interviews, focus groups or community-based fieldwork and are confident communicating with diverse stakeholders, including children and young people where appropriate. You work independently in community settings while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative research team. You possess strong organisational and communication skills, can coordinate research activities, manage competing priorities and produce high-quality written work. An interest in developing your research skills and contributing to future research projects and funding applications is an advantage. This role is particularly suitable for an early-career researcher, doctoral student or graduate with relevant experience who wishes to develop a career in community-based applied social research.
Equal Opportunity Employer
We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and encourage applications from under-represented groups.
Closing Date 31st August 2026
Research Assistant - Community Studies at Euro Staffs in Ipswich employer: Euro Staffs
At North Bristol NHS Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. Located in the heart of Bristol, our state-of-the-art facilities provide a dynamic environment where you can thrive as a Senior Pharmacy Technician, with access to comprehensive training programmes and opportunities to advance your career within a leading Major Trauma Centre. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the lives of our patients while enjoying the benefits of working in a diverse and inclusive team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant - Community Studies at Euro Staffs in Ipswich
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Euro Staffs.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Euro Staffs!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Euro Staffs, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Euro Staffs or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant - Community Studies at Euro Staffs in Ipswich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Euro Staffs:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Euro Staffs! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Euro Staffs
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
