Job Purpose

You will contribute to the project The legal foundations for a civic financial system (“Civic Finance”) working with Prof. Javier Solana (“Principal Investigator” or “PI”).

The overarching objective of Civic Finance is to develop a complexity-informed theory of law and finance that can underpin the legal foundations of a civic financial system; in particular, a financial system that refrains from enabling unsustainable levels of CO2 emissions. Civic Finance is funded by a European Research Council Starting Grant (Grant Agreement No.: 101165302).

The PI is looking for two Research Assistants to support the development of the theoretical framework that will underpin Civic Finance. More specifically, the two Research Assistants will support the review of relevant academic literature that explores how organisations make decisions; in particular, how financial institutions select their corporate clients, and how financial institutions make decisions regarding specific financial products and services to offer to those clients. Research Assistant 1 will focus, predominantly, on academic literature that explores how culture and social norms might influence those decisions, while Research Assistant 2 will focus, predominantly, on how economic factors might influence those decisions. In specific sections, the job description identifies different requirements for each of the two posts. Where no distinction is made between the two posts, the requirements apply to both posts. Applicants are requested to indicate in their cover letter which of the two posts they are applying to.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

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

1.           Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and the project’s 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 The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, 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 project team meetings as well as in external seminars and workshops as part of the project.

7.           Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

8.           Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

9.           Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the PI.

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

Knowledge, Qualification, Skills and Experience

Knowledge & Qualifications

Essential

A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in Anthropology, Finance, Economics, Psychology, Sociology, or equivalent.

A2 Applicants to the post of Research Assistant 1 should have a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the academic literature in Anthropology of Finance and/or Sociology of Finance, or related fields. Applicants to Research Assistant post 2 should have specialist theoretical knowledge of Economics and/or Finance.

Desirable:

B1 An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in Anthropology, Finance, Economics, Psychology, Sociology or equivalent.

Skills

Essential:

C1 Proven ability to conduct literature reviews in relevant disciplines.

C2 Appropriate time and workload management skills.

C3 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and a collegiate approach.

C4 Appropriate time and workload management skills.

C5 Extensive Microsoft Office skills.

C6 Excellent research skills, including data collection (e.g. using databases to find relevant academic literature), data management, and data analysis skills.

C7 Extensive Microsoft Office skills.

C8 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

Desirable:

D1 Specialist theoretical knowledge of complex systems theory and its application to the study of Economics and/or Finance.

D2 Specialist theoretical and/or practical knowledge of the influence of psychology on corporate decision-making.

Experience

Essential:

E1 Experience of academic writing.

E2 Ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing.

E3 Self-motivation, initiative and the ability to work independently.

E4 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach.

E5 Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) appropriate to an early career researcher, e.g. as part of a Master or doctoral programme, or in a relevant professional context.

E6 Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner.

Desirable:

F1 Experience researching corporate decision-making, e.g. the different factors that affect how companies make decisions and design business strategies, particularly in relation to the impact of those companies’ operations on environmental sustainability.

F2 Experience working collaboratively in inter-disciplinary research teams.

Please indicate in your cover letter which post you wish to be considered for : Research Assistant 1 or 2.

For informal enquiries about the role, please contact Professor Javier Solana, Javier.Solana@glasgow.ac.uk.

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,951 - £37,694 per annum, pro rated to the number of hours assigned to and worked by you.

This post is fixed term for a minimum of 240 hours from 1 May 2026 to 31 July 2026.

Hybrid working arrangements will be welcomed in line with the University’s flexible working policy. 

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 : 5 February 2026 @23:45