At a Glance
- Tasks: Support a research project focused on inclusive careers in engineering through data collection and analysis.
- Company: Join a leading university's School of Social Sciences with a commitment to diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 33 days annual leave, flexible hours, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a difference by helping marginalised engineers progress in their careers.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in qualitative research methods required.
The predicted salary is between 31236 - 36636 € per year.
Role: Research Assistant (Inclusive Careers in Engineering (ICE): Supporting the Career Progression of Marginalised Engineers)
Grade and Salary: Grade 6 - £31,236 - £36,636 (pro rata)
Contract: Part Time (10 hours per week/0.25FTE), Fixed Term for 8 months
Directorate: School of Social Sciences, Edinburgh Business School
Rewards and Benefits: 33 days annual leave, plus 9 buildings closed days (pro rata).
Job Purpose: Reporting to the Principal Investigator (PI), the Research Assistant will support the delivery of a qualitative research project. The role involves contributing to data collection, analysis, and dissemination activities, with a focus on understanding participants’ experiences through qualitative methods.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
- Conduct qualitative data collection, including focus groups
- Support participant recruitment and coordination of research activities
- Conduct qualitative data analysis, including thematic coding using NVivo
- Contribute to interpretation of findings and development of research outputs
- Assist in preparing research reports, academic papers, and dissemination materials
- Support ethical compliance and data management procedures
- Undertake administrative and organisational tasks related to the project
Person Specification:
Essential:
- Postgraduate qualification (completed or in progress) in a relevant discipline, or equivalent research experience
- Experience of qualitative research methods, including data collection (e.g. semi‑structured interviews and/or focus groups)
- Experience of conducting thematic analysis and qualitative coding
- Proficiency in using qualitative data analysis software (NVivo)
- Ability to work effectively as part of a research team
- Strong organisational and time management skills
- Excellent written and spoken English communication skills
Desirable:
- Experience of working on externally funded research projects
- Familiarity with research ethics processes in social science research
- Experience of contributing to academic outputs (e.g. reports or publications)
- Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a research environment
How to Apply: Applications can be submitted until 23:55 on 26 May 2026. Interviews are expected to begin shortly after the closing date. Please submit your CV.
Research Assistant (Inclusive Careers in Engineering Project) in Edinburgh employer: Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
As a Research Assistant at the School of Social Sciences, you will be part of a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises the career progression of marginalised engineers. With generous benefits including 33 days of annual leave and a commitment to employee growth through meaningful research projects, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to impactful work in Edinburgh's vibrant academic community.
Contact Detail:
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant (Inclusive Careers in Engineering Project) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the engineering field, especially those involved in inclusive careers. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities you might not find on job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to qualitative research. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers and showcase your experience effectively.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills with a portfolio! If you've worked on relevant projects or have examples of your qualitative analysis, put them together to impress potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant (Inclusive Careers in Engineering Project) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Research Assistant role. Highlight your experience with qualitative research methods and any relevant software skills, like NVivo. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, don’t just list your qualifications—show us how you’ve used them! Share specific examples of your experience with data collection and analysis. This helps us understand your hands-on skills and how you can contribute to our project.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths and experiences at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia
✨Know Your Research
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the Inclusive Careers in Engineering project. Familiarise yourself with the key objectives and methodologies, especially qualitative research methods. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you articulate how your skills align with the project.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with qualitative data collection and analysis. Prepare examples of past projects where you've conducted semi-structured interviews or focus groups. Highlight your proficiency with NVivo and any relevant software, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the technical aspects of the role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the project, team dynamics, and expectations. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can contribute to the team's success and the project's goals.
✨Practice Your Communication
Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your responses and ensure you convey your ideas effectively during the actual interview.
