Graduate Research Assistant, Living Lab

York St John University; York; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000

Job description

Introduction to YSJ university

York St John is an ambitious, modern university at the heart of historic York and there has never been a more exciting time to join us.

As one of the fastest-growing universities in the UK over recent years, we have a new strategy for the next decade emphasising our commitment to widening opportunity through the power of education and contributing our talents to creating a fairer world, and a more prosperous region. We are putting inspirational learning and impactful research at the heart of this strategy, recognising our academic expertise as our greatest asset.

The Team

You will be joining a team of cross-disciplinary colleagues, including arts and humanities, who make up The YSJ Living Lab. The Living Lab is a network of students and staff from different subjects and departments, all collaborating to investigate a real-life ecological justice issue and work together to find solutions. The initiative is supported by and situated within the University’s Institute for Social Justice. Our impact on students’ employability and citizenship has been recognised through a national Green Gown Award.

The role

This role, reporting to the Living Lab co-leads and hosted within the Institute for Social Justice, will contribute to the delivery and development of ongoing initiatives. The candidate will be enthusiastic about contributing to the vibrant research activities of the Living Lab; organising and presenting the Living Lab’s engagement activities, internal and external, and finding new opportunities for student impact.

Required Skills and Experience

Candidates will have experience in coordinating projects (alone or in collaboration with others) and be confident in finding effective ways to bring people together around a shared goal. IT skills, including proficiency in Teams and Outlook, are essential. The candidate will be open to learning and a reliable team member. Experience in creating engaging, informative activities (in-person) or content (online) would be desirable.

Further Information

It is anticipated that the selection process will involve a panel interview. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted.

Unfortunately, this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship; however, we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.

We offer a range of family-friendly and inclusive policies and facilities and welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.

Application process support

We are keen to support you throughout the recruitment process. Before starting your application, please refer to the attached candidate guidance which provides advice about completing the application process.

If you require a reasonable adjustment in order to apply for this position, please contact [e-mail]. Within the application form, there is an opportunity for you to request a reasonable adjustment at the interview stage of the process; however, if you wish to discuss this in further detail at any point in the process, please do not hesitate to contact us. The following resource may help you adapt the device you are using to apply to suit your needs: My Computer My Way.

Please note that CVs are not accepted in place of the application form. Within the application process, you will be asked to answer a selection of work-related questions. Our aim is to get to know you, and understand your individual skills and experience, and how you would apply these within the role. We are aware that AI can assist you with this, but we would prefer you to share your answers in your own words.

Our benefits package

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including:

1. Excellent annual leave entitlement, including five discretionary university closure days over the Christmas period.
2. Disability leave (applies to staff who have disclosed a disability and is also available to staff with disabled dependants).
3. Employee Assistance Programme.
4. Paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists.
5. On-campus courses, one-to-one tutorials, and online resources to help you develop your digital skills and work with new software.
6. Relocation expenses package for certain roles.
7. Reimbursement of Skilled Worker Visa application fees and Visa loan scheme for additional costs (if applicable to the role).

Further information about life at YSJ

Our candidate brochure provides further information about our culture, achievements, and testimonials from our employees.

Closing Date - Monday 07 April 2025 at midnight

Provisional Interview Date - Thursday 01 May 2025