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- Tasks: Support qualitative research on career progression for marginalised engineers.
- Company: Heriot-Watt University, committed to equality and diversity.
- Benefits: 33 days annual leave, flexible hours, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team and enjoy excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in promoting inclusivity in engineering careers.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate qualification or equivalent experience in qualitative research methods.
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 & covering letter via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment.
Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected, trained, promoted, appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all. Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society, particularly from underrepresented groups.
Research Assistant (Inclusive Careers in Engineering Project) in Edinburgh employer: Heriot-Watt University
Contact Detail:
Heriot-Watt University 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 your field, especially those connected to the Inclusive Careers in Engineering project. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to qualitative research methods. We all know that confidence is key, so get comfortable discussing your experience with data collection and analysis.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for inclusivity in engineering during interviews. Share any relevant experiences or projects you've worked on that align with the values of Heriot-Watt University. It’s all about making that personal connection!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our community and contributing to meaningful research.
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 relevant experience in qualitative research methods and any specific projects you've worked on that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about supporting marginalised engineers. Share your experiences and how they relate to the key duties of the role, especially around data collection and analysis.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in NVivo and any other qualitative data analysis software. We want to see how you can contribute to our research outputs and help interpret findings effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application via the Heriot-Watt online recruitment portal. It’s the best way for us to receive your CV and cover letter, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Heriot-Watt University
✨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's goals.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience with qualitative data collection and analysis. Prepare examples of past projects where you've conducted thematic coding or used NVivo. Highlighting your proficiency in these areas will demonstrate that you're well-equipped for the role.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions about the project, team dynamics, or ethical compliance processes. This shows that you're not just interested in the position but also in how you can contribute to the team's success.
✨Communicate Clearly
Since excellent communication skills are essential for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Whether discussing your research experience or answering questions, clarity will help convey your ideas effectively and leave a positive impression.