At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in research on Scottish GP workforce origins, focusing on data management and literature review.
- Company: Join the University of Dundee, renowned for its excellence in medical education and research.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working options, including regular homeworking and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Position is part-time for 4 months, dependent on external funding; apply by 8 August 2025.
- Why this job: Be part of a supportive team making a real impact on educational and workforce policy in Scotland.
- Qualifications: Ideal for those studying or holding a degree in education, social sciences, or psychology with research skills.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Posted on 29 July 2025 | Reference: UOD1949
We are recruiting for an exceptional individual to join us as a Research Assistant within the School of Medicine, to support a Scottish Medical Education Research Consortium (SMERC) funded research project that aims to understand the origins of the Scottish GP workforce, especially in hard to recruit areas.
The research will use a quantitative approach and the UK Medical Education Database (UKMEDl . a repository which collates data about UK doctors\’ education pathways. As such, it is an exciting opportunity to work on research designed to fill a knowledge gap in the evidence-base currently underpinning Scottish educational and workforce policy.
The Research Assistant position provides an exciting opportunity to assist the project team with academic and policy literature review, data preparation and management, and preparing findings for publication. It is an excellent opportunity to expand your own knowledge and skills, and provides opportunities for scholarly activity and CPD.
The research is a collaboration between researchers at the University of Dundee and the University of Glasgow. You will be joining a team with substantial expertise in the field, who meet regularly, and who prioritise a supportive work environment.
The University of Dundee enjoys an international reputation for excellence that attracts top-class students and academics from across the world – with over 140 countries represented in the University community. You will be based at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, one of Europe\’s largest teaching hospitals where the School of Medicine provides outstanding opportunities in medical education and training supported by world class research facilities.
We are advertising this position at 0.2FTE for approximately 4 months duration, however other arrangements will be considered. This post is for a fixed term as it is dependent on external funding. As such, the need for the post will cease to exist when funding runs out.
We utilise a flexible working policy and the post holder will be eligible for homeworking on a regular basis by mutual agreement.
Your priorities will include:
· With support, you will take the lead in identifying and reviewing the relevant academic and policy literature underpinning this project.
· You will support the research team with data preparation and management. This may include interpreting data sets and, where appropriate, coding and formatting this material.
· You will contribute to the reporting of the research in project reports, summary documents and project outputs, including academic journal publications.
· You will attend and contribute to research team meetings to report on progress and discuss actions.
Who we\’re looking for:
· An individual who has completed (or is currently undertaking) a primary or further degree in a relevant subject, e.g. education, social sciences, psychology.
· Experience of designing and conducting literature searching and review.
· Skills to critically appraise academic literature and to synthesise findings.
· Proficiency in the use of reference management software.
· The ability to work effectively as part of a research team, and with external collaborators.
The calibre of research at Dundee is high, with 95 per cent of staff working in areas of national or international excellence. Dundee benefits from a developed network of inter-disciplinary researchers collaborating across various Schools across our community.
For further information about this position please contact Dr Kirsty Alexander, ScotGEM Lecturer in Medical Education at kalexanderOOl@ac.uk. To find out more about the School of Medicine please visit https://www.dundee.ac.uk/medicine .
The diversity of our staff and students helps to make the University of Dundee a UK university of choice for undergraduate, postgraduate and distance learning. Family friendly policies, staff support networks for BME and LGBT staff, membership of Athena Swan and Stonewall as well a full range of disability services, create an enjoyable and inclusive place to work.
Friday, 8 August 2025, 23:59
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Research Assistant - UOD1949 employer: University of Dundee
Contact Detail:
University of Dundee Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Research Assistant - UOD1949
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the UK Medical Education Database (UKMED) as it is central to the research project. Understanding how this database operates and the type of data it contains will give you a significant advantage during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with current literature on medical education and workforce policy in Scotland. Being able to discuss recent findings or trends will demonstrate your commitment and knowledge in the field, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the field of medical education research. Attend relevant seminars or webinars, and connect with researchers from the University of Dundee and University of Glasgow to gain insights and potentially get a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with reference management software. Since this role involves managing academic literature, showcasing your proficiency in tools like EndNote or Mendeley can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Research Assistant - UOD1949
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and requirements of the Research Assistant position. Highlight key skills and experiences that align with the role in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to reflect relevant academic qualifications and experiences, particularly in literature review and data management. Emphasise any experience with reference management software and teamwork in research settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for medical education research and your understanding of the Scottish GP workforce. Mention specific examples of your skills and how they relate to the project’s goals.
Proofread and Edit: Before submitting your application, carefully proofread your documents for spelling and grammatical errors. Ensure that your writing is clear and professional, as this reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at University of Dundee
✨Understand the Research Context
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish GP workforce and the specific aims of the research project. Being able to discuss the significance of this research will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Literature Review Skills
Prepare examples of your experience in conducting literature searches and reviews. Be ready to discuss how you critically appraise academic literature and synthesise findings, as these skills are crucial for the position.
✨Demonstrate Data Management Proficiency
Highlight any experience you have with data preparation and management. Discuss your familiarity with reference management software and any relevant coding or formatting skills that could benefit the research team.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
The role requires effective teamwork, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in a research setting. Mention your ability to contribute to meetings and report on progress, showcasing your communication skills.