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- Tasks: Analyse data and produce impactful research reports for a STEM outreach project.
- Company: Swansea University, committed to equality and diversity in education.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, professional development, and a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a difference in education while gaining valuable research experience.
- Qualifications: PhD in Human Geography or relevant social science; research experience in STEM inclusivity.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team focused on enhancing access to education for disadvantaged students.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Swansea University is a research-led university that has been making a difference since 1920. The University community thrives on exploration and discovery and offers the right balance of excellent teaching and research, matched by an enviable quality of life. Our stunning waterfront campuses and multicultural community make us a desirable workplace for colleagues from around the world. Our reward and benefits, and ways of working enable those who join us to have enriching careers, matched by an excellent work-life balance.
This is a fixed-term role until 15/12/2025, for 2.5 days per week.
Applications are invited for the position of Research Assistant or Officer within the Faculty of Science and Engineering, to work for the S4 outreach project (Swansea University Science For Schools Scheme https://s4science.co.uk/).
Responsibilities
- The Research Assistant or Officer will independently deliver a series of research reports and papers that form the dissemination deliverables of a Longitudinal Cohort Evaluation (LCE) of participants in a campus-based STEM outreach programme. The LCE has been delivered and the drafts of reports and papers completed. The Research Officer will complete full analysis of the LCE and publish the reports and papers. Analysis will require expert use of SPSS and NVivo.
- The LCE was collected from secondary school students (from areas of social and economic disadvantage in South Wales) following their participation in a university campus science intervention programme. S4 introduced students to spaces of science and higher education and evaluated the impact this had on their ideas about science, future careers, entrance into higher education and aspirations. Our delivery was under a broad ‘Science Capital’ theoretical lens.
- We are seeking a suitably qualified human geography post-doctoral researcher to deliver a short-term piece of work analysing evaluation data from the S4 programme. A PhD in Human Geography or a relevant social science discipline is desirable, and experience of research in widening access to education and STEM inclusivity is needed.
- You will ensure the strategic aims of the project are realised via a specific set of deliverables. This is a ‘sprint project’ with regular, discrete deliverables over a short period of time and you will work closely with the Lead Academics to implement the shared project vision.
Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
The University is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity in all its practices and activities. We aim to establish an inclusive environment and welcome diverse applications from the following protected characteristics: age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality, ethnic and national origin), religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation.
As an inclusive and welcoming workplace, we value people for their skills regardless of their background. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English.
Welsh Language Skills
The Welsh language level required for this role is Level 1 – A little. The role holder will be able to pronounce Welsh words, answer the phone in Welsh (good morning/afternoon) and use very basic everyday words and phrases (thank you, please etc.). Level 1 can be reached by completing a 1 hour course.
The University is a proud bilingual institution, our Welsh Language Strategy outlines our aspiration to promote the language and enable our staff to engage with the language as an additional workplace skill and as a gateway to new cultural and social opportunities. Applications are welcome in Welsh and will not be treated less favourably than those submitted in English. Welsh speakers have the right to an interview in Welsh. Applicants for a role where Welsh skills are essential are expected to present their application in Welsh and will be interviewed in Welsh, if shortlisted.
Additional Information
Applications for this role will take the format of a CV submission and cover letter.
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Research Assistant or Officer employer: Swansea University
Contact Detail:
Swansea University Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant or Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in academia or research. Attend relevant events and engage with people who might know about opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to research methodologies and data analysis. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio of your previous research work, especially if it involves SPSS or NVivo. This will give potential employers a clear view of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant or Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Research Assistant or Officer role. Highlight your experience with SPSS and NVivo, and how it relates to the S4 outreach project. We want to see how you can contribute to our mission!
Showcase Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for STEM education and inclusivity shine through in your application. Share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your commitment to widening access to education, especially for those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can consider you for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Swansea University
✨Know Your Research
Make sure you’re well-versed in the S4 outreach project and its objectives. Familiarise yourself with the Longitudinal Cohort Evaluation (LCE) and be ready to discuss how your skills in SPSS and NVivo can contribute to analysing the data effectively.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to highlight your previous research experience, especially in human geography or social sciences. Be specific about any projects you've worked on that relate to widening access to education and STEM inclusivity, as this will resonate with the interviewers.
✨Emphasise Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with Lead Academics, be ready to discuss your teamwork experiences. Share examples of how you’ve successfully collaborated on projects, particularly in a sprint-project setting, to demonstrate your ability to meet regular deliverables.
✨Be Ready for Language Questions
Given the bilingual nature of the university, brush up on some basic Welsh phrases. Even if you're not fluent, showing that you can greet in Welsh or use simple phrases will reflect positively on your application and show your willingness to engage with the local culture.
