Research Assistant

We are seeking a Researcher to join our team to support the project 'Negotiating shifting practices to preserve professional learning: the problem of planning'. This is a detailed study of what lesson planning and preparation involves for secondary-level history teachers, with a specific focus on how beginning teachers can be equipped to engage effectively in lesson planning.
Reporting to Dr Jim Carroll, you will work as part of a small research team with responsibility for delivering high-quality research and contributing to the smooth running of the project. The role involves managing your own research and administrative activities within agreed guidelines, engaging in wider project planning, and offering ideas that may help shape future research directions. You will also select, follow, and adapt specialist research methodologies to suit the needs of the project, identifying alternative approaches where necessary.
You will contribute to the design of research materials and oversee arrangements for data collection, while gathering, analysing, and presenting qualitative and/or quantitative data from a range of sources. The role further involves carrying out comprehensive literature reviews and preparing written outputs suitable for publication or presentation. You will support day-to-day project administration, represent the research group at meetings or seminars, and share findings with colleagues and partner institutions. Where appropriate, you may also provide guidance to research students.

Applicants must hold a first degree in a relevant field and have relevant research experience, as well as be working toward a doctorate in a specialist discipline. They should possess sufficient specialist knowledge to contribute effectively within established research programmes and demonstrate the ability to manage their own research and administrative tasks. Excellent communication skills are essential, including the ability to write publishable text, present research findings, and represent the research group externally. Applicants must also have experience following and adapting research methodologies to meet project needs.