Senior Research Assistant (1603)
Senior Research Assistant
Full Time - Fixed Term Contract - High Wycombe
Salary - £32,332 - £36,024
Buckinghamshire New University is an ambitious, modern university that is always open to fresh ideas and thinking. We believe in the transformative power of education, and in doing the right thing by our students, people and local community. That’s why our BNU community is a special place to work and study, and where people who want to make a difference can contribute and succeed.
Our University’s DRIVE values and are at the heart of all that we do. We are united in being dynamic, responsible, inclusive, visionary and empowering to ensure that we provide the best experience to our learners and offer excellent service to our partners and to each other as colleagues. Our commitment to these values is unwavering and they are central to our mission. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries and we are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments that you require.
To support research projects, conducting research, analysing results and generating original ideas. This is a project funded by the NIHR in which we will work with key stakeholders to understand and seek to overcomes the challenges to recruitment and retention for social workers who practice in coastal areas of England. This is an almost purely qualitative project in which we will work with stakeholders from across the social work sphere: from newly qualified and social workers from ethnic minority backgrounds to employers, service users, and professional organisations.
The role will be required to:
- Undertake research by preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of field work and other qualitative methods.
- Conduct literature and database searches.
- Contribute to and/or produce research reports.
- Develop and maintain contacts with key social work stakeholders in England.
- Present information on research progress and outcomes to the project team.
- Actively participate as a member of a research team.
- Make use of standard research techniques and methods and computer assisted data analysis techniques such as Excel and SPSS or other statistical packages.
- Deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
- Plan own day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed project.
What we offer:
- a generous holiday entitlement (30 days per annum, plus bank holidays & closure days)
- Hybrid working (dependant on business needs)
- training & development support opportunities
- contributory pension scheme
- discounted gym membership for our on-site gym
- a range of staff discounts with major retailers.
Please click here to see our wide range of benefits available for employees.
Please click here for our behavioural based interview question bank.
Please click here to view our employee handbook.
If you have the qualities and attributes representative of the University’s values and ambition, we would be delighted to hear from you.
For further information about this role please contact Prof Jermaine M Ravalier, Head of School of Health and Social Care Professions. jermaine.ravalier@bucks.ac.uk
All applications are to be made in full and online.
BNU is proud to have a diverse community and a strong track record of diversity, equity and inclusion. Our aim is to continue to build an environment where everyone thrives and can be themselves. We therefore ensure that our interview/shortlisting Chairs complete the relevant e-learning and/or inclusive recruitment training.
We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented in BNU’S workforce. These include people from global majority backgrounds, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people, particularly in more senior roles.
Closing Date: 16 September 2024
Interview Date: W/C 30 September 2024
If you are successful in securing an interview for the role, you will be required to provide proof of eligibility to work in the UK.
BNU is a Disability Confident employer and as such you will be given the opportunity to declare a disability as part of the application process. The University is also committed to achieving the Race Equality Charter.
Job Description
JOB DESCRIPTION
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Job Title: Senior Research Assistant
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Faculty/Directorate: School of Health and Social Care Professions
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Grade: F |
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Location: High Wycombe / Hybrid
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Hours: Full time (negotiable) |
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Responsible to: Head of School of Health and Social Care Professions
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Responsible for: N/A
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Job Purpose: To support research projects, conducting research, analysing results and generating original ideas. This is a project funded by the NIHR in which we will work with key stakeholders to understand and seek to overcomes the challenges to recruitment and retention for social workers who practice in coastal areas of England. This is an almost purely qualitative project in which we will work with stakeholders from across the social work sphere: from newly qualified and social workers from ethnic minority backgrounds to employers, service users, and professional organisations.
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Main Duties & Responsibilities of the role:
The role will be required to:
- Undertake research by preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of field work and other qualitative methods.
- Conduct literature and database searches.
- Contribute to and/or produce research reports.
- Develop and maintain contacts with key social work stakeholders in England.
- Present information on research progress and outcomes to the project team.
- Actively participate as a member of a research team.
- Make use of standard research techniques and methods and computer assisted data analysis techniques such as Excel and SPSS or other statistical packages.
- Deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines.
- Plan own day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed project.
- Comply with relevant legislative and other requirements (e.g., the Data Protection Act 2018 and GDPR; Health and Safety; UKVI; and Equality and Diversity) in all working practices.
- Such other duties temporarily or on a continuing basis, as may reasonably be required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION – Essential Criteria Only
A = Application T = Test I = Interview
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Education, Qualifications & Training |
Means of Testing |
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First Degree in a relevant field |
A |
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Working toward a higher degree in a relevant field |
A |
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Knowledge & Experience |
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Delivering an excellent customer experience |
A/I |
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Experience in using a range of qualitative techniques |
A/I |
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Experience in analysing and interpreting qualitative data, making use of appropriate qualitative research methods and techniques. |
A/I |
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The ability to produce highly accurate work and high quality documentation |
A/I |
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Ability to effectively delegate to and supervise junior Research Assistants |
I |
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The ability to write clearly and concisely and to contribute to reports. |
A/I |
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Able to work as part of a team |
A/I |
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Computer database skills |
A/I |
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Knowledge of issues relating to the project area |
A/I |
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Project management experience |
I |
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Skills |
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Ability to communicate both orally and in writing with all stakeholders |
A/I |
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Digitally able and proficient in Microsoft tools |
A/I |
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Excellent organisational and time management skills |
A/I |
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Excellent people skills with the ability to build good working relationships with colleagues and external partners. |
A/I |
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Special Requirements |
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A willingness and ability to work in off-site locations |
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A willingness and ability to contribute to University Open Days (which may fall on Saturdays) |
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Behavioural INDICATORS
The BNU Behaviours Framework (BBF) is a framework for all University staff that sets out the key behaviours that exemplify the DRIVE values and ethos of the University. The nine categories provide a clear steer on behavioural expectations that will help support a step change in the performance and culture of the University. The three key behavioural indicators for this post are as follows: (from the list below, choose the top 3 key behavioural categories most applicable to the role and delete the others)
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Managing self and personal skills Being aware of own behaviour and mindful of how it impacts on others, enhancing personal skills to adapt professional practice accordingly. |
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Delivering excellent service Providing the best quality service to external and internal customers/students/stakeholders. Building genuine and open long-term relationships in order to drive up customer service standards.
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Finding solutions Taking a holistic view and working enthusiastically to analyse problems and to develop workable solutions. Identifying opportunities for innovation.
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Embracing change Being open to and engaging with new ideas and ways of working. Adjusting to unfamiliar situations, shifting demands and changing roles.
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Using resources effectively Identifying and making the most productive use of resources including people, time, information, networks and budgets.
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Engaging with the wider context Enhancing your contribution to the University through an understanding of University values, its students, customers and stakeholders.
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Developing self and others Showing commitment to own ongoing professional development. Supporting and encouraging others to develop their professional knowledge, skills and behaviours to enable them to reach their full potential.
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Working together Working collaboratively and across boundaries with others in order to achieve objectives. Recognising and valuing the different contributions people bring to this process.
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Achieving results Consistently meeting agreed objectives and success criteria. Taking personal responsibility for getting things done.
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