Casual Research Assistant (Access and Participation, Qualitative)

The University of Bath Access and Participation Impact team are seeking a Research Assistant to support the development of our Access and Participation Plan research and evaluation strategy and help conduct evaluative research for individual projects, in particular utilising qualitative research designs.  

The role will suit someone with well-developed qualitative research skills, excellent communication and writing, and a can-do attitude. They will be a strong communicator with a flexible, collaborative mindset. 

Main responsibilities will include:

• Contribute to research project design, field work and data collection.
• Contribute to the research programme, working to agreed objectives ensuring the effective use of resources.
• Conduct individual or collaborative data collection (e.g., questionnaires, interviews, focus groups etc.).
• Conduct relevant transcription and coding of datasets with appropriately defined processes. 
• Use initiative and creativity to analyse and interpret research data and draw appropriate conclusions.
• Conduct literature reviews and write up findings into an appropriate report format. 
• Ability to deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and work with a range of stakeholders to progress each project.
• Present information on research progress and outcomes to stakeholders within project.
• Work independently and as part of a team, co-ordinating own work with that of others.
• Manage competing priorities and work to deadlines.

Further information: www.bath.ac.uk/publications/access-and-participation-plan-2024-to-2028-and-fee-information/ 

Requirements: 

• An interest in social inequality and educational opportunities for all. 
• Excellent administrative and time management skills.
• Experience with research project design, documenting and maintaining data, and good understanding of data confidentiality and protection policies and guidance.
• Experience of organising and facilitating focus groups and/or interviews.
• Ability to work unsupervised and prioritise with a willingness to accept responsibility for workload/meet deadlines.
• Be postgraduate at The University of Bath ideally studying for a PhD, with at least two years’ experience in research.
• A particular focus on qualitative methods is essential. 

Desirable factors include:

• Experience of ethical approval processes and willing to support the submission of future ethics applications.
• Experience of quantitative and/or mixed methods research designs.

Location of role: Bath and online (must be within travelling distance to Bath to hold potential in-person data collection)

Method of application: Complete a short application form (forms.office.com/e/yStE8Q2GhM). If selected, you will be invited to interview via Teams.