At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in research for enhancing primary religious education and gather data through observations.
- Company: Queen Margaret University, a supportive and inclusive environment in Edinburgh.
- Benefits: Part-time hours, flexible working, and the chance to contribute to meaningful educational projects.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equality and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in primary education while developing your research skills.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in education and experience in qualitative research.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.
The Division of Psychology, Sociology and Education within the School of Arts, Social Sciences and Management at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, is seeking to appoint a Research Assistant in Religious Education to work with Dr Stephen Scholes on the Enhancing Primary Religious Education Pedagogy project (funded by Culham St Gabriel’s).
The Enhancing Primary Religious Education Pedagogy project aims to support primary school teachers to confidently deliver and develop learning experiences in Religious Education in Scottish non‑denominational schools via professional learning and collaborative action research.
The postholder will be responsible for conducting literature reviews and gathering empirical data for the project, including on‑site observation of professional practice in Scottish primary schools. The postholder will also contribute to the development of scholarly outputs and other publications related to the project.
Qualifications:
- a postgraduate degree in education or a closely related discipline.
- registration with the General Teaching Council for Scotland, ideally in the primary category.
- experience conducting qualitative research in education, ideally including observations of practice.
The post is part‑time, 7 hours per week (0.2 fte) and fixed‑term for 12 months. The post is anticipated to start on 1 August 2026.
The closing date for this position is 23.59 on 28 May 2026.
This role does not meet the minimum requirements set by UKVI to enable sponsorship of migrant workers. Therefore, we cannot progress applications from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK.
Queen Margaret University is committed to equality of opportunity for all by providing a supportive, flexible and inclusive working environment, and we welcome applicants from diverse backgrounds.
We are proud to hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award which recognises the advancement of gender equality at QMU.
We are a Disability Confident Employer; should you require any specific arrangements during the recruitment process please contact Human Resources on recruitment@qmu.ac.uk.
Research Assistant employer: Institute for Global Health and Development
Queen Margaret University is an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and promotes employee well-being. As a part-time Research Assistant in Religious Education, you will have the opportunity to engage in meaningful research while contributing to the advancement of pedagogy in Scottish primary schools. With a commitment to professional development and a focus on gender equality, QMU provides a unique platform for growth and collaboration within the academic community.
Contact Details:
Institute for Global Health and Development Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the education sector, especially those involved in religious education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a recommendation.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the project and the team you'll be working with. Knowing Dr Stephen Scholes' work will show your genuine interest and help you stand out during the interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your qualitative research skills! Be ready to discuss your past experiences with observations and data gathering. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've contributed to similar projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant
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 and any specific projects that align with the Enhancing Primary Religious Education Pedagogy project.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're passionate about religious education and how your background makes you a great fit for this role. Be sure to mention your postgraduate degree and any teaching council registration.
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since the role involves conducting literature reviews and gathering empirical data, emphasise your research skills. Share examples of past research projects or observations you've conducted in educational settings.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people and stands out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Institute for Global Health and Development
✨Know Your Project
Familiarise yourself with the Enhancing Primary Religious Education Pedagogy project. Understand its goals and how your role as a Research Assistant will contribute to supporting primary school teachers. This shows your genuine interest and helps you answer questions more effectively.
✨Showcase Your Research Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience in conducting qualitative research, especially observations of practice. Bring examples of past projects or literature reviews you've conducted, as this will demonstrate your capability and relevance to the role.
✨Engage with Educational Trends
Stay updated on current trends in religious education and pedagogy. Being able to discuss recent developments or challenges in the field will impress the interviewers and show that you're proactive about your professional growth.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the project and the team dynamics. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you. Think about asking how success is measured in this position or what the team culture is like.
