Research Assistant - REConnect Public Engagement in Esk Valley River Catchment

Part time hourly paid from end of January to the end of April 2025

Salary: £15.42 to £17.27 per hour (exclusive of holiday pay)

Introduction to YSJ University

York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.

As one of the fastest-growing universities in the U.K. over recent years, we have a new strategy for the next decade, emphasising our commitment to widening opportunity through the power of education and contributing our talents to creating a fairer world, and a more prosperous region. We are putting inspirational learning and impact research at the heart of this strategy, recognizing our academic expertise as our greatest asset.

York Business School

York Business School was officially launched in 2018 following over 25 years of the delivery of Business and Management education at York St John University. York Business School is an ambitious and innovative business school where students at the centre of everything that we do.

Our burgeoning national and international research profile, excellent teaching and learning, and welcoming and inclusive ethos supports an exceptional student experience.

The role

We are seeking a Research Assistant (Grade 5) to support the QR-funded project, REConnect (River Esk Connect): Climate Action Project. This project aims to understand how the North York Moors National Park’s public engagement programme deepens host communities' connection to nature and improves community awareness of the impact of climate change, the consequential biodiversity loss, and the importance of river catchment landscapes. The Research Assistant will work closely with the lead researcher, assisting with data collection, algorithm development, and analysis.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with organising, with partners, data collection and conducting field research.
• Undertake and literature searches and review
• Contribute to transcription and data analysis using NVivo 15.
• Collaborating with partners and contributing to disseminating research findings, writing reports and papers.
• Documenting research findings and preparing reports
• Attend networking events and represent YSJU externally
• Required skills and experience

We are looking for candidates with the following qualifications and skills:

• A Master’s degree or PhD in human geography or sociology, or a related social science field.
• Knowledge of qualitative ethnographic field research and data collection methods.
• Experience analysing and writing up qualitative research.
• Ability to analyse complex qualitative data using NVivo.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work as part of a team.

Additional information

Unfortunately, this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however, we welcome your application if you are able to evidence the right to work in the UK via an alternative route.

For informal inquiries, please contact J.Hall@yorksj.ac.uk

The selection process will consist of an interview.

We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities to support staff from different backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.

Application process support

We are keen to support you throughout the recruitment process. Before starting your application please refer to the attached candidate guidance which provides advice about completing the application process.

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