Job Purpose

A Research Associate is sought to work in the ESRC-funded Administrative Data Research UK - Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR). The postholder will deliver policy-focused research projects using linked administrative datasets. The research will focus on research using data linkages from education data (pupil census, qualifications, attendance, exclusions) with health, social care, Census and other public sector datasets. The postholder will also be expected to publish in high quality academic journals as well as participate in policy and public engagement activities, training courses, and other events.

The selected candidate will work with Professor Morag Treanor, a co-director of SCADR and its lead on research into Children’s Lives and Outcomes.

This post will be based in the School of Social & Political Sciences in Glasgow, Gilmorehill Campus. The University has adopted a hybrid working model which means a combination of remote and campus based working. Travel costs are therefore not paid to travel to campus. Please note that there is an expectation that the successful candidate will need to travel to Edinburgh on a regular basis as required by the project. The University will not cover the cost of overnight stays and the successful candidate will need to be based in the UK for the duration of the contract.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal Investigator (PI) as appropriate:

Research (60% of time)

1.  Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research, taking responsibility for a core element as appropriate, in accordance with the project objectives. This will involve using linked administrative datasets and working in a secure data environment which requires high levels of data security and governance processes.

2.  Liaise with data controllers and research coordinators to identify the content of specific administrative datasets and verify their use for addressing specific research questions.

3.  Take the lead on planning and preparing all research access documentation and ensuring all necessary permissions are in place for research projects to proceed.

4.  Clean and manage research datasets to ensure they are suitable for analysis; and conduct statistical analysis using a range of descriptive and advanced modelling techniques, interpret the results, and write up findings in a clear and professional manner.

5.  Maintain accurate and up-to-date records documenting the research process (including all research code) and regularly report on progress at research meetings.

6.  Be responsible for ensuring that all data are processed and managed in compliance with applicable legislation, codes and policies.

7.  Liaise with colleagues in the wider ADR UK networks around related research and possible opportunities for collaboration.

Publication and dissemination (20% of time)

8.  Review relevant literature for the research project and use this to take the lead in drafting research articles for publication in high quality international journals.

9.  Participate in academic seminars and conferences at national and international level and engage with relevant academic research networks within the UK and abroad.

10.  Provide content on research findings for SCADR publicity materials and the website and participate in social media and press communications.

11.  Write up research findings/outcomes for publication in leading journals for disseminations as appropriate.  Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting progress reports and papers as appropriate.

KE and Engagement (15% of time)

12.  Take the lead in organising meetings with, and participating in knowledge exchange and engagement events organised by, research stakeholders including policy makers, practitioners, non-academic analysts and members of the public.

13.  Translate research findings into non-technical language, respond to requests for information about the research (e.g. give evidence for Parliamentary committees) and prepare research briefing papers and reports for a range of non-academic audiences.

Other activities (5% of time)

14.  Contribute to the overall success and future sustainability of the SCADR by developing an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to working with other research networks in order to exchange research findings, share and develop methodological expertise and explore opportunities for cross-cutting analysis and interdisciplinary publication.

15.  Identify potential areas for development and opportunities for additional funding and contribute to the preparation of research proposals and grant applications to external funding bodies.

16.  Participate in research training activities (e.g. SCADR courses on using administrative data) or teaching activities within the School.

17.  Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI.

18.  To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan - Inspiring People – Changing the World. (http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/strategy/people/)

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential 

A1 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.

A2 A minimum of five years research experience (this can include time spent on the PhD) using advanced quantitative methods (e.g. longitudinal analysis, multilevel modelling) and willingness to undertake training as required.

A3 Knowledge of appropriate software packages (especially R, but also Stata, SPPS, SAS or MPlus) and willingness to undertake training as required.

Desirable

B1 Knowledge of the Scottish policy context and the National Performance Framework.

B2 ONS Safe Researcher Accreditation.

B3 Familiarity with research literature on school attainment/performance and its relationship with home backgrounds, poverty, inequality, neighbourhood/area effects, youth transitions.

Skills

Essential

C1 Ability to analyse and organise resources in order to manage time and workload effectively.

C2 Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

C3 Demonstrable ability to clearly and effectively and to interpret, explain, present and communicate the results of quantitative data analysis to different audiences (including academics, policy makers, practitioners and other non-specialists).

C4 Proven initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently and/or as part of a team.

C5 Good data management skills, experience of handling and manipulating large or complex datasets

C6 Evidenced ability in writing syntax/code for preferred statistical package.

Experience

Essential

E1 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals and/ or at conferences appropriate to career stage.

E2 Experience and interest in communicating (written and oral) research findings to a wide range of stakeholders.

E3 Experience of managing and analysing large datasets, keeping shared workspaces tidy and appropriately documenting workflow.

Desirable

F1 Experience of data analysis of education, census, health or other administrative data.

F2 Experience of working with linked administrative datasets.

F3 Experience of working within a secure research environment.

Terms and Conditions

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

This post is full time (35 hours per week), and has funding for up to 30 months from the start date in the first instance.

The University of Glasgow has a responsibility to ensure that all employees are eligible to live and work in the UK.  If you require a Skilled Worker visa to work in the UK, you will be required to meet the eligibility requirements of the visa route to be assigned a Certificate of Sponsorship.

Please note that this post may be eligible to be sponsored under the Skilled Worker visa route if tradeable points can be used under the Skilled Worker visa rules. For more information please visit: https://www.gov.uk/skilled-worker-visa.

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:  13 April 2026 at 23:45