Research Assistant/Associate

Job Purpose
To carry out the supporting work and make a strong contribution to the AHRC research contract, 'The Edinburgh Festival Fringe: an Economic Impact Assessment', working with and reporting to Professor Murray Pittock, Principal Investigator. Specifically, the job requires expert knowledge of two of the creative and performing arts economy, the tourism industry and economic impact assessments, and would suit an economic geographer, cultural economist or postdoctoral (or equivalent) candidate with similar expertise.

The successful candidate will be numerate and able to engage positively with a wide range of stakeholders, agencies in the creative and performing arts economy and the wider policy environment. They will preferably hold a driving licence and reasonable travel expenses will be met. They will be expected to provide the evidence for a report that will be of use to policymakers in the Scottish Government, local authorities, the Festival Fringe and other creative providers. The successful candidate will be expected to help deliver the project's communication and public facing activities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables; specifically, the development of an evidence base for the Edinburgh Fringe study.
2. Create online and paper questionnaires and conduct interviews consistent with University of Glasgow ethical guidelines, maintaining records and databases, drafting progress reports and ensuring alignment with GDPR requirements.
3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed publications, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Contribute to the presentation of work at public fora, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.
5. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.
6. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community in a manner consistent with the Job Purpose, engaging where appropriate with undergraduate and graduate students, and taking advantage of teaching opportunities.
7. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group.
8. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.
9. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.
10. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the PI.
11. Contribute to the enhancement of the University's international profile in line with the University Strategy.

For appointment at Grade 7

1. Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.
2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.
3. Establish and maintain your research profile and reputation and that of the University of Glasgow/School/Research Group/area, including establishing and sustaining a track record of independent and joint publications of international quality, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.
4. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, and develop/implement a suitable research strategy to deliver project/area requirements and opportunities.
5. Presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research and/or impact profile.
6. Take a leading role in the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research and impact.
7. Take a leading role in developing and maintaining collaborations with colleagues across the research group/area/School/College/University and wider community (e.g. academic and industrial partners).
8. Take a leading role in team/group meetings/seminars/workshops and School research group/area activities to enhance the wider knowledge, outputs and culture of the School/College.
9. Take the lead in the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.
10. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including budgets/expenditure.
11. Contribute as appropriate to teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating, etc) and associated administration, as may be assigned through the School in consultation with your line manager.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience
Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

• A1 SCQF Level 10 Honours degree in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline, or equivalent.
• A2 Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge of two of the creative and performing arts economy, the tourism industry and economic impact assessments.
• A3 Comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism.
• A4 An excellent track record of research.

For appointment at Grade 7:

• A5 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) plus track record of emerging independence within a research/professional environment, or alternatively possess professional qualifications and experience equivalent to PhD level plus the requisite experience.
• A6 A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of current issues and future directions within the relevant research disciplines as outlined in the Job Purpose.
• A7 Well-developed working knowledge of research methods, technical models, equipment and techniques relevant to the project/discipline as outlined in the Job Purpose.

Desirable:

• B1 Publications in the relevant area.
• B2 UK driving licence.

Skills

Essential:

• C1 Project or subject specific skills.
• C2 Research creativity and cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.
• C3 Excellent communication skills oral and written , including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely.
• C4 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.
• C5 Appropriate workload/time/project/budget/people management skills.
• C6 Extensive IT and data analysis/interpretation skills as appropriate.
• C7 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working.
• C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.
• C9 Native or near-native proficiency in written and spoken English.

For appointment at Grade 7:

• C10 Ability to communicate material of a specialist or highly technical nature and to be effective both orally and in writing at a level appropriate to the activity.
• C11 Developing track record of research outputs compatible with enhancing the School's research profile in accordance with School objectives.
• C12 Proven commitment to supporting the career development of colleagues and to other forms of collegiality appropriate to the career stage, including some experience of research project supervision.
• C13 Effective organisation skills to manage time, prioritise and deliver appropriate research, teaching and administrative responsibilities.
• C14 Commitment to open research, as appropriate to the discipline, through open data, open code, open educational resources and practices that support replication.

Experience

Essential:

• E1 Sufficient relevant research experience or equivalent appropriate to an early career researcher.
• E2 Project or subject specific experience.
• E3 Experience of scientific writing.
• E4 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.
• E5 Evidence of an emerging track record of publications in a relevant field.

For appointment at Grade 7:

• E6 Experience of making distinct contributions to identifying and pursuing research funding (or equivalent business development) applications.
• E7 Experience of planning and progressing work activities within professional guidelines or organisational policy, applying initiative and independent judgement.

Desirable:

• F1 Experience of organising seminars, conferences or other public events.
• F2 Experience of participating in activities that translate research into impact to benefit the economy and wider society.
• F3 Experience of contributing to the design and delivery of teaching and assessment in higher education or other relevant environments.

Terms and Conditions
Salary will be Grade 7, £41,064 - £46,049 per annum.

This is a full time fixed term post until 31.3.27.

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