Research Assistant - Deaf access by Deaf people - 0.5FTE -Until March 2028

Location: Wolverhampton Campus, Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences.

Contract: Temporary.

Salary: £33,002 – £35,608 pa (pro‑rata for part‑time).

Closing Date: 02/01/2026.

Job Reference: 14628.

We are seeking a talented and ambitious fluent signing researcher to work on the Open Research Area 8th call (ORA8) – an ESRC funded research project. This research will contribute to the literature by focusing on the process and production of Deaf Mediators, Interpreters, and Translators (DMIT) by undertaking:

• Representative review of the situation of DMIT in selected European countries
• Cross‑linguistic analysis of DMIT interpreting and translation in selected settings

This research will examine the impact of the different journeys and unique histories, including the impact of different DMIT professionals within each country, in three areas:

• The translation of information by government, municipality and non‑government organisations from written to signed languages found on websites, new media and other avenues to provide access to wider society;
• Interpreting on television broadcasts and via webcast to signed languages;
• Interpreting within conference settings.

The research will also explore the features of DMIT products within these three areas that facilitate comprehension by deaf audiences. This allows for a comparison between countries across all three areas with some focus on country‑specific linguistic and cultural expectations (our focus being the UK). It should also identify factors that facilitate comprehension in all countries and contexts.

Responsibilities:

• Work alongside the full‑time Research Assistant – scope includes all four research strands (Employment WP1; Translation WP2; Media WP3; Conference WP4).
• Provide research assistance to the project, including data collection, analysis and reporting.
• Conduct literature reviews, fieldwork and cross‑linguistic comparisons as outlined above.
• Collaborate with project partners and stakeholders across European countries.
• Prepare reports, presentations and contribute to publications.

Qualifications:

• Postgraduate level qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Fluency in a sign language.
• Experience and training in research methods and techniques.
• Strong analytical and communication skills.

Benefits:

• Competitive salaries
• Standard Life Pension scheme – employer contribution of up to 12% to the University’s defined contribution scheme.
• Long Service Recognition – £200 gift voucher, certificate, and afternoon tea with the Vice Chancellor for 25 and 40 years of service.
• Free Will Writing Service – complimentary will drafting for employees and their partners.
• IT & Mobile Discounts – EE Perk (20% off for family & friends) & software discounts.

Supporting Your Health & Wellbeing:

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Support – 24/7 access to an EAP service, free counselling sessions, wellbeing support resources and Occupational Health Service.
• Gym membership discounts – at our Walsall Campus and discounts at WV Active sites in Wolverhampton.
• Eyecare Support – free eVoucher for eye tests and glasses contribution.
• Flu Vouchers – free flu vaccinations for staff.
• Paycare Health Benefit Plan – covers optical, dental, physiotherapy and personal accident insurance.
• Chaplaincy & Prayer Rooms – access to multi‑faith chaplaincy services.

Valuing You:

• Generous Annual Leave
• Flexible & Agile Working – flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Free On‑site Parking – available across campuses.
• Cycle Benefits Scheme – save up to 42% on a bike & accessories via salary sacrifice.
• Employee Discounts – savings on groceries, fashion and entertainment.
• Travel Discounts – up to 10% off holidays through Sodexo Circles.

Training and Development:

• Staff Network and Inclusion – access to support networks and events with our LGBTQ+, Global Majority, Disability and Women’s networks.
• Library Access – staff have access to books and resources at onsite libraries.
• Staff Scholarship Scheme – funding for part‑time higher education, up to PhD level.
• Leadership and Management Development – access to training opportunities to support your advancement in your career.

Diversity & Inclusion:

As part of our commitment to ensure the diversity of our staff body reflects those of the student and local communities we serve, we particularly welcome applications from candidates of Black, Asian or Ethnic Minority heritage and candidates who are disabled (including people who may not define themselves as disabled but nevertheless encounter challenges).