Job description

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Research Assistant to contribute to a new CSO-funded project which seeks to explore emotionally based school non-attendance within the Scottish context with the aim of improving health outcomes for affected young people. The postholder will work with Dr Jo Inchley and other project staff within the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit and be responsible for day-to-day delivery of the project including undertaking desk research, research design, recruitment, data collection and analyses, report writing and dissemination activities. The post would suit those with a particular interest in adolescent mental health and/or neurodiversity, along with skills in public engagement and creative dissemination. Experience of conducting research with young people and/or in a school setting would be an advantage. The successful candidate will provide support to the wider research team and will be expected to contribute to research publications and other outputs.

The post is available full-time until June 2026. A part-time position (0.8FTE) may be considered.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigators:

1. Plan and conduct assigned research under the supervision of the Principal Investigator and in accordance with the project deliverables.

2. Undertake desk research including collation of national and local health and education policy documents and a review of current literature.

3. Prepare and submit study materials for ethical approval.

4. Undertake qualitative research including conducting interviews with a range of stakeholders and undertaking data analysis and interpretation.

5. Design an online survey, oversee data collection and undertake data analysis and interpretation.

6. Support the research team with design and delivery of public engagement activities including co-production workshops with key stakeholders.

7. Liaise with a range of stakeholders to ensure smooth delivery of the research, including local authorities, schools, community organisations and families.

8. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

9. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

10. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

11. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.

12. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group.

13. Contribute to the Unit’s public engagement and knowledge exchange activities to ensure research evidence reaches and influences a broad range of stakeholders.

14. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in adolescent mental health.

15. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

16. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Principal Investigator and the Director of the Social and Public Health Sciences Unit.

17. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, World Changers Together.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential

A1. SCQF Level 10 [Honours degree] in social sciences, health sciences, psychology or a related subject.

Desirable

B1. A postgraduate qualification in social sciences, public health, mental health, research methods or other relevant subject area.

Skills

Essential

C1. Theoretical and practical knowledge of child and adolescent health.

C2. Sufficient relevant research experience appropriate to an early career researcher, including use of both quantitative and qualitative methods.

C3. Skills in data interpretation and dissemination.

C4. Experience of scientific writing.

C5. Excellent communication skills [oral and written], including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.

C6. Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and the ability to work with a wide range of stakeholders, including senior academics, practitioners and young people.

C7. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

C8. Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.

C9. Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

C10. Excellent attention to detail.