Research Assistant (Analyst)

Queen's University Belfast

About the job

To be a highly productive, ambitious and collaborative member of the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study team. The Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study is a linked, administrative dataset of people and their major life events, spanning over 40 years. A key component of the post is to undertake quantitative research and engage with central and local government in Northern Ireland.

Main activities/responsibilities:

• Undertake a wide range of research activities under project guidance that may include data cleaning and processing and running statistical analysis.
• Engage with central and local government in Northern Ireland to identify research questions which will help them fulfil their policy needs.
• Carry out routine administrative duties as requested (e.g., administering the meetings of the Northern Ireland Longitudinal Study) and attend events as appropriate.
• Present regular progress reports on research to members of the research group or to external audiences to disseminate and publicise research findings.
• Write up results of own work and contribute to the production of research reports, publications and proposals consistent with project aims and commensurate with career stage.
• Engage in knowledge exchange with key policy stakeholders in Northern Ireland.
• Carry out any other duties designated by the Principal Investigator and which fall within the general ambit of the post.

About the person

Essential Criteria:

• Upper second or first class degree classification in an undergraduate degree of any discipline with a substantial quantitative component. Please evidence this in your application.
• Experience of performing research in social science, public health or related area.
• Experience of using statistical packages such as Stata, SPSS, R or similar.
• Experience of quantitative research methods.
• Ability to be self-led and self-organised within framework of agreed schedule of work.
• Effective time management skills.
• Demonstrable ability to work effectively with non-academic partners.
• Understanding of how to translate policy issues into research questions.
• Ability to communicate complex information in English effectively in oral and written format.
• Ability to build relationships to develop internal and external networks.
• Ability to present ideas and research findings clearly for both non-academic and academic audiences.
• Commitment to continuous professional development.
• Works well as part of a team.

Desirable Criteria:

• Have completed or are working toward a postgraduate qualification with a substantial quantitative component.
• Experience of research using Census and/or administrative data.
• Experience of contributing to academic research projects.
• Experience of working with third-sector organisations and/or government departments.
• Understanding of longitudinal methods relevant to NI population studies.
• Willingness to travel within NI.

To be successful at shortlisting stage, please ensure you clearly evidence in your application how you meet the essential and, where applicable, desirable criteria listed in the Candidate Information.

This is a fixed term post for 23 months. Fixed term contract posts are available for the stated period in the first instance but in particular circumstances may be renewed or made permanent subject to availability of funding.