Research Assistant / Associate Glasgow, Scotland
University of Glasgow
Full Time
Glasgow, Scotland
37474 - 42155 GBP ANNUAL Today
Job description
Job Purpose
We are seeking to appoint a Research Associate or Research Assistant to support The Productivity Institute’s Regional Productivity Forum (RPF) in Scotland, based at The University of Glasgow.
The position of Regional Productivity Forum Research Associate / Assistant is designed to support the Institute’s research and business engagement programme, and the successful candidate will be part of a network of RPF researchers based across the UK with a focus on productivity, in particular contributions of health and well-being, regional disparities, management competencies, digital transformations and transition to net zero.
The purpose of the role is to help increase impact through the dissemination and translation of existing research to key stakeholders, to feedback insights from the region to the wider Productivity Institute community of stakeholders and to contribute to new research and business engagement projects. They will also act as an ambassador in their region for the regional productivity forum and support the RPF Lead and Chair in the management, organisation and governance of the RPF.
Whilst based at The University of Glasgow the Research Associate/ Assistant reports to Professor John Tsoukalas, who is the lead for The Regional Productivity Forum and a member of The Productivity Institute. The Research Associate/Assistant will also work closely with a team of in-house researchers, the Engagement & Impact Director (who has overall responsibility for the 8 Regional Productivity Forums) and the Regional Productivity Research Fellow (UK Firm and Regional Productivity) based at Alliance Manchester Business School. The successful candidate will also coordinate and share work and insights with the equivalent postholders at the other Regional Productivity Forums on a regular basis.
The Productivity Institute brings together world-leading and UK experts from a range of disciplines and backgrounds, working directly with policymakers and businesses to better understand, measure, and enable improvements in productivity across the whole of the UK, with the aim to improve living standard and well-being. Applicants with industry experience are encouraged to apply.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Perform the following activities in conjunction with, and under the guidance of, the Academic Lead:
1. Conduct qualitative and quantitative research and develop literature reviews and insight papers looking at a regional perspective with a focus on productivity (and in particular contributions of health and well-being, regional disparities, management competencies, digital transformations and transition to net zero).
2. Support the RPF lead in the coordination, management and governance of the Regional Productivity Forum and ensuring that it links into central Productivity Institute activity and also the University of Glasgow ecosystem of relevant research and engagement activities.
3. Working closely with the RPF lead and chair, act as a local ambassador for the Scotland Regional Productivity Forum.
4. Work closely with other researchers, especially in the area of sector and firm level analysis of UK productivity and specifically with the RPF Research Associate network.
5. Participate in the RPF Research Associates network to coordinate activities and share insights.
6. Participate in other Institute research activities and events and be available for engagement activities in government and business.
7. Develop relevant ideas that could lead to papers in academic publications.
8. Develop articles, blog posts and executive summaries based on the literature reviews and relevant data analysis.
9. Provide general research support to the Institute as required.
10. To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan - Inspiring People – Changing the World.
http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/strategy/people/
For appointment at Grade 7
Perform the above duties with a greater degree of leadership and independence, particularly in relation to planning, funding, collaborating, publishing research and mentoring colleagues. In addition:
11. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research, taking responsibility for a core element as appropriate, in accordance with the project objectives and project.
12. Understand the research challenges associated with the project and develop/implement a suitable research strategy.
13. Take a leading role in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications
Essential
A1 a Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 10 (Honours Degree) in a relevant subject area, or equivalent professional qualifications and experience of personal development in similar role.
A2 Sufficient breadth and/or depth of knowledge in specialist subject and of research methods and techniques to work within the productivity agenda including the wider context of industrial/growth strategy and current policy issues related to productivity.
A3 Willingness to acquire knowledge of the business landscape in the Scotland
A4 Knowledge of project-specific data sources, such as firm level or household databases.
A5 Knowledge of specialist IT software as appropriate
For appointment at Grade 7 , in addition to above
A6 Completion of a post-graduate qualification such as Masters (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 11) or PhD (Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12) or equivalent in a relevant subject area
Desirable
B2 Knowledge and understanding of the relevant region / devolved nation and its principal political and economic drivers and related issues.
B3 Good understanding of the UK’s innovation and business support system, the current strategic environment and context and the role of key private and public sector players within the region/devolved nation.
Skills
Essential
C1 Ability to analyse and organise resources.
C2 Ability to communicate effectively (oral and written) at a level appropriate to the activity, including public presentations and ability to communicate complex information, theory and concepts clearly and concisely. C3 Proven initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently and/or as part of a team.
C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
C4 Self-motivated, able to work to tight deadlines, prioritise workload, and respond to urgent high-pressure requests.
C5 Willingness to travel to work in the UK and elsewhere as required by the project.
Experience
Essential
E1 Sufficient relevant research experience in a related field.
E2 Experience in conducting interviews and/or qualitative analysis of interview data, using data analysis software.
For appointment at Grade 7 , in addition to above
E3 Sufficient depth of relevant research experience normally including sufficient postdoctoral experience in a related field
E4 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.
E5 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals and/ or at conferences.
E6 Experience of independence as illustrated by identification of project objectives from assessment of literature, design and analysis of research data and drafting of papers.
Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 6/7, £30,502 – £34,308 / £37,474 - £42,155 per annum
This post is full time and fixed term for up to 2-years from start date.
As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.
As a valued member of our team, you can expect:
1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.
2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.
3 A flexible approach to working.
4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.
We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.
We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.
We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.
