Research Assistant - Work and Health Development

The School of Applied Sciences at Edinburgh Napier University is recognised for the quality of the educational provision we offer, the employability of our graduates and the international reputation and partnerships we have.

Currently, we have an opportunity for a Research Assistant to support a new research project focused on career guidance for older workers, collecting and managing data in accordance with the study and assisting with analysis and interpretation of results.

The role:

As Research Assistant, you will have the opportunity to use your experience of qualitative research and Psychology or Social Science background to assist with a new and meaningful study, that aims to build a partnership in preparation for seeking funding of a larger substantial research project.

As someone who has studied Psychology or Social Science at postgraduate level, your knowledge of qualitative methods of analysis will serve you well as you take part in the recruitment of participants for the study and assist with the collection and management of interview data.

These skills will also allow you to assist with data analysis and interpretation of results, as well as contribute to identifying methods of service evaluation and clarifying the concept of a ‘good’ career outcome.

We anticipate that you will have excellent organisational and people skills and this role will allow you to utilise these to full effect, as you proactively manage your workload and actively participate as a valued member of the research team, attending and contributing to relevant meetings as appropriate.

Laterally, you will be involved in a valuable study that aims to identify key areas affecting older workers and the challenges experienced in their careers, of which data could potentially be used to influence changes that positively impacts the lives of those individuals effected.

What we will need from you:

• Masters (postgraduate) degree in a discipline related to social science or psychology
• Experience of conducting qualitative interviews and methods of analysis
• Experience of report writing for research purposes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including presentation and report writing skills.
• Excellent organisation, prioritisation, and time management skills, with flexible approach to working.

For a full role description, please click here.

Benefits we offer:

Annual leave entitlement based on 46 days (pro-rated accordingly), contributory pension of 17.6 – 26% (depending on circumstances), flexible working and professional development opportunities. Further information regarding our excellent benefits can be viewed here.

Additional information:

Salary: Grade 4 - £37,694 p/a (pro rata) – depending on experience.

Contract: Fixed-term – Until 30th June 2026

Hours: 24.5 hrs per week

Closing date: 28th September 2025

Interviews: Week commencing 6th October 2025