We have one simple promise – to make a positive impact. Through our ground-breaking research, teaching excellence and commitment to sustainable living, we are changing lives for the better.
The University of Derby is a modern university with a modern outlook. Everything we do is driven by delivering excellence and opportunities for our students, our staff and our region.
We have some of the best university facilities in the UK and achieve outstanding results for our teaching and research and have been awarded Gold in the prestigious Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023 – making it one of the top universities in the country recognised for its outstanding student experience and student outcomes.
Financially strong and seriously ambitious we offer our employees an inclusive culture that centres itself around staff wellbeing, where you can be confident you will receive all the help and encouragement you need to build a rewarding career with lots of opportunities to enhance your skills.
About the college/department
The International Centre for Guidance Studies (iCeGS) is an applied research centre located in the Institute of Education at the University of Derby. Our research addresses how people develop their careers in complex modern societies and what kinds of interventions and approaches can be used to enable people to build successful careers and find their way to achieving their potential.
The iCeGS aims to work closely with a range of clients and funders to undertake research that meets their organisational or programme needs. We are interested in interventions that take place in schools, further and higher education and the labour market in public and private sectors.
About the role
iCeGS is looking to recruit a research assistant to support the growth and development of research and consultancy in the area of careers, employability, and the relationship between education and work. Having gained proven experience in social research in the field of social or educational research, you will contribute to a range of research and consultancy projects.
A key responsibility for this post will be to contribute to the project administration of a COST (European Cooperation in Science and Technology) funded project, Critical Perspectives on Career and Career Guidance.
Please note a DBS may need to be completed once employed dependant on which research projects you participate in.
About you
We are seeking a highly skilled and detail-oriented individual with proven experience of writing comprehensive reports, papers, and publications, demonstrating their ability to communicate complex research findings effectively.
A background in working within a research centre or similar environment is desirable, showcasing an understanding of the collaborative and dynamic nature of research-based work.
You will possess excellent knowledge and practical application of research methodologies, with a demonstrated ability to select and apply appropriate qualitative and quantitative techniques for robust analysis.
Additionally, experience in project delivery is required, highlighting the ability to manage timelines, resources, and outcomes to successfully achieve project goals.
This role provides an exciting opportunity to contribute to impactful research while leveraging your expertise in data analysis and scholarly communication.
Principal accountabilities
- Under the guidance of the Principal Investigator, carry out research activity that contributes to particular projects.
- Analyse, interpret and evaluate research data and present conclusions on the data to those involved with the research project(s).
- Contribute to the dissemination of the research project(s) in the appropriate format (such as a report, papers, book chapters, journals).
- Update knowledge and understanding in own and other relevant disciplines.
- Provide support as necessary with other staff for the supervision of undergraduate or postgraduate students and projects, which may involve demonstration or limited teaching.
- Undertake appropriate training and staff development.
- Provide guidance as required to other colleagues working on related research project(s).
- Assist and help informally students working in the same research discipline.
- Develop internal and external contacts with other academic staff to begin to form collaborative relationships and assist with their research project(s).
- Understand own development needs and, with appropriate input, formulate a personal development plan.
- Observe and implement University policies and procedures.
Essential criteria
Qualifications
- Relevant undergraduate degree in social sciences, education or a related discipline
Experience
- Experience of writing comprehensive reports / papers / publications
- Experience of project delivery
Skills knowledge abilities
- Excellent knowledge of appropriate research methods, tools and technology
- Ability to collect, analyse and synthesise research data and information
- Ability to communicate complex information clearly both in writing and presentations
- Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues
- Ability to use initiative and creativity to solve problems in a research context
- Self-motivated and able to work independently and as part of a team
- Innovative and creative
Business requirements
- Demonstrate competences, core behaviours and supplementary behaviours that support and promote the University’s core value
- Flexible to the needs of others
- Committed to ensuring a high-quality student experience
- Committed to a high-performance culture, fostering continuous improvement and driving quality
- Able to take a flexible approach to work
- Travel between sites and occasionally overseas for work
- Some evening and occasional weekend work
Desirable criteria
Qualifications
- A postgraduate qualification such as a master’s or doctoral qualification PhD or EdD
Experience
- Experience of project management
- Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field
- Experience of presenting scientific research results to various audience
- Experience of working in a research environment
Benefits
- Generous annual leave entitlement of 38 days inclusive of bank holidays and concessionary days (pro rata)
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Suite of holistic wellbeing benefits and support including family-friendly policies, generous sick pay provision and comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to a variety of staff discounts at high street retailers
- Discounted onsite gym
- Discounted access to Devonshire Spa
- Cycle to Work scheme
- A flexible working environment
- A commitment to personal and professional development
