Research Assistant

University of the West of Scotland – School of Education & Social Sciences

Paisley Campus/ Remote Working  

Part time: 7 hours per week

Fixed term: 6 months

POST – REQ000259 - Research Assistant: Gaelic Medium Education: a career advantage for school leavers in Scotland? 

The University of West of Scotland have an exciting opportunity to join their Social Sciences division on a project exploring senior phase (S4-S6) pupils' perceptions of the career benefits of Gaelic Medium Education (GME) and the impact of this on early career decisions of GME school leavers aged 17-25.

Working closely with the Principle Investigator (PI), Dr Emma Bolger, you will support the PI in data collection in Gaelic and data analysis, writing a literature review with translation to Gaelic and English as well as a final report and other relevant dissemination tools and their translation to Gaelic and English.

This project will carry out a mixed methods research approach which will include qualitative face to face focus group interviews conducted with senior phase (S4-6) pupils in GME in several local authorities and a self-administered online survey.

The research assistant will be required to recruit and conduct these Gaelic-language focus groups and co-design and recruit participants to surveys. For the focus groups, the proposed locations are Glaschu, Dùn Èideann, Inbhir Nis, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Travel time and costs will be incorporated in the job role. The role will require an average of 1 day per week throughout the contract period, but the working days may be undertaken in blocks in line with the role requirements.

The successful candidate should have the following:

• An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant subject (e.g. social sciences, education, psychology, research methods)
• Mixed methods research experience
• Report writing and other presentation skills
• Experience of leading focus groups
• Fluent Gaelic Speaker
• Ability to write to meet the needs of stakeholders from both professional and academic backgrounds
• Knowledge and understanding of Gaelic Medium Education
• Understanding of robust ethical conduct in research, particularly in relation to research with young people

For any queries regarding this role please contact Dr Emma Bolger via email – emma.bolger@uws.ac.uk

Applicants should be aware that this role is fully funded externally so is offered as fixed term for 6 months.  Any further extension would be considered on the renewal of that external funding.

About us

University of the West of Scotland is one of Scotland’s largest and most dynamic modern universities. Our reach across the country, together with our London campus, means that UWS is a significant force in global knowledge creation, innovation, and a leading provider of undergraduate, postgraduate and research degree education. Our degrees provide students with a transformational experience; equipping them with highly sought-after graduate skills that set them up for global success in world-leading sectors, industries and businesses.

With cutting-edge courses, modern pedagogy and practical knowledge, we enable our students and staff to experience the joy of learning, teaching, research and innovation, and apply their knowledge for the benefit of others. 

UWS is officially ranked by Times Higher Education in the top 200 universities worldwide under 50 years old (2024 Young University Rankings).

The School of Education & Social Sciences at UWS combines sector-leading education provision with strong expertise in social science teaching and research in the west of Scotland and beyond. You will join a supportive and committed team, playing a crucial role in the School’s commitment to social justice and making a difference locally, nationally and internationally. Our students benefit from innovative, practice-focused and research-informed courses, and deep-rooted partnerships with leading organisations across the world.

UWS is fully committed to the UK Concordat to support the Career Development of Researchers which sets out clear standards that research staff can expect from the University. It aims to improve the employment and support for research careers in the UK and provides a framework for career development based around the Concordat principles.

We offer our staff a caring and supportive environment, across five campuses, and a competitive benefits package which includes:

• 24 days of annual leave, plus a further 12 days for public/university holidays
• An additional days leave on your birthday
• Defined benefit contribution pension scheme (including death in service benefits upon joining the scheme
• A flexible approach to working pattern and work-life balance
• Employee discount scheme across 3,500 retailers
• Fitness facilities across our campuses
• Access to a range of health and wellbeing resources, including occupational health, physiotherapy and access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional, career and research development opportunities.

Interview date: Wednesday 30^th April 2025

The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.

You can find out more about how the University uses your personal data as part of the recruitment process by looking at the UWS HR Applicant Privacy Notice at www.uws.ac.uk

UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.

UWS is a “Disability Confident” employer.

University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.