Job Purpose

You will contribute to the Safety Nets Project working with Professor Ruth Patrick and colleagues on these landmark studies at the cutting edge of current social policy debates. The successful candidate will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal/Co Investigator:

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the Safety Net and Changing Realities 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. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Glasgow, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed journals, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

4. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, 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 meetings for Safety Nets and Changing Realities, and with external audiences.

7. Contribute to 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.

8. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

9. Carry out modest Teaching activities [e.g. demonstrating etc.] and associated admin as assigned by the Head of School and in consultation with Principal Investigator.

10. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in social policy.

11. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

12. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School.

13. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan, Inspiring People Changing The World.

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 social policy, with specific knowledge on poverty and social security systems

A3 comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of social policy and of participatory research methods

Desirable:

B1 An awarded [or recently submitted or near completion] PhD in subject specialism or equivalent.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Project or subject specific skills in communicating to diverse audiences, including to policymakers

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.

Desirable

D1 An effective communicator, who can adapt their communication style to different audiences

Experience

Essential:

E1 Sufficient relevant research experience [or equivalent] appropriate to an early career researcher, including policy engagement activities and experience in conducting participatory research

E2 Experiencing of researching and/or working in areas connected with poverty and/or social security.

E3 Experience of academic 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.

Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Ruth Patrick, ruth.patrick@york.ac.uk

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,482 - £37,174 per annum pro rata

This post is part time (10.5 hours per week) and fixed term for up to 12 months

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension - pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.

Closing date : 21 July 2025 @23 :45