At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct research and gather data to enhance primary religious education in Scottish schools.
- Company: Queen Margaret University, a vibrant institution focused on social sciences and management.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, part-time hours, and the chance to contribute to meaningful educational projects.
- Other info: Part-time role with flexible hours and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in education while gaining valuable research experience.
- Qualifications: Postgraduate degree in education and experience in qualitative research.
The predicted salary is between 33951 - 37694 € per year.
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.
Responsibilities
- Conduct literature reviews and gather empirical data for the project, including on‑site observation of professional practice in Scottish primary schools.
- Contribute to the development of scholarly outputs and other publications related to the project.
Qualifications
- 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.
Research Assistant in Religious Education - 472033 in Edinburgh employer: Queen Margaret University
Queen Margaret University offers a supportive and collaborative work environment, ideal for those passionate about education and research. As a Research Assistant in Religious Education, you will have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that enhance teaching practices in Scottish primary schools, while benefiting from professional development and a commitment to academic excellence. Located in Edinburgh, the university provides a vibrant cultural backdrop and access to a network of educational professionals, making it an excellent place for career growth and impactful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant in Religious Education - 472033 in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the education sector, especially those involved in religious education. A friendly chat can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the project and Dr Stephen Scholes. Show us you’re genuinely interested in enhancing primary religious education pedagogy and have some ideas to contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant in Religious Education - 472033 in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in education and research. We want to see how your background aligns with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about religious education and how you can contribute to our project. Keep it engaging and personal.
Showcase Your Research Skills:Since this role involves conducting literature reviews and gathering data, make sure to mention any relevant research experience. We love seeing examples of your qualitative research work!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves.
How to prepare for a job interview at Queen Margaret University
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Enhancing Primary Religious Education Pedagogy project. Familiarise yourself with its goals and how it aims to support teachers in Scottish primary schools. This will show your genuine interest and help you connect your experience to the project.
✨Showcase Your Qualitative Research Skills
Prepare to discuss your experience with qualitative research, especially any observations of practice you've conducted. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to gather and analyse data effectively, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Engage with Educational Theory
Brush up on relevant educational theories and frameworks that relate to religious education. Being able to reference these during your interview will demonstrate your depth of knowledge and commitment to the field.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the project and the team you'll be working with. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role aligns with your career goals. Think about asking how success is measured in the project or what challenges they foresee.
