Research Assistant

SRUC School of Veterinary Medicine; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000

Job description

About The Team

Our Rural Policy Centre is a knowledge hub for rural Scotland. We engage and collaborate with researchers, businesses and communities to exchange ideas, share experiences and contribute evidence-based research to rural policy in Scotland.

The Opportunity

The Rural Policy Centre (RPC) is looking for a Research Assistant to join our team of multi-disciplinary researchers. The role is for an initial 14 months at 80% FTE (i.e. 4-days-a-week).

The post-holder will become involved in a wide range of research and knowledge exchange/science communication activities, including contributing to existing research projects, (co)writing a range of outputs, and contributing to the Rural Exchange and NISRIE websites. This is a good opportunity to expand skills and gain a good mix of experience and written outputs which would form the basis of a strong CV.

The post-holder will be managed on a day-to-day basis by Dr Ian Merrell (Principal Investigator on Land Reform and Land Use) but will have the opportunity to work with all members of the team across a range of topics, including rural community development, rural economies and businesses, land use and land reform, and climate, environmental and agricultural change.

Key Responsibilities

The major tasks in the role will include:

1. Provide research assistance to a range of ongoing (and future) research projects, with options to align with research interests.
2. Managing online content (including articles, blogs, podcasts and data) for the RPC’s two flagship websites and assist in social media coverage of these.
3. Integrating into the wider team and exploring future opportunities with these staff members.

Minimum Qualifications And Experience

This role would be suited to a candidate educated to SCQF level 11 with a MSc in a relevant subject related to rural development or science communication, particularly to policy audiences.

Eligibility For Sponsorship

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route. If you are a migrant worker, you will need to ensure you have an appropriate visa to evidence the necessary right to work in the UK.

Salary and benefits

• Generous annual leave
• Enhanced pension contributions to contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted RAC Membership
• Generous family leave
• We encourage Continuing Professional Development with a tailored investment in an individual's learning and development
• Flexible working patterns
• Hybrid working solutions (in some areas)

How To Apply

Please complete an online application form by pressing “apply”.

• To apply, please provide: (i) your CV; (ii) a short covering letter; and (iii) the name and email address of two referees from previous employment or periods of study (referees will only be contacted after successful interview).
• Your cover letter should briefly outline: (a) why you are interested in this role and (b) what skills/experience you bring to the post.
• Informal enquiries about the role can be directed to Dr Ian Merrell ([e-mail])
• Interviews are proposed to be held on the 24th April 2025.

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SRUC is committed to valuing Diversity, advancing Equality and respecting Human Rights throughout the organisation and encouraging applications from disabled people using the “Disability Confident Employer” symbol. SRUC is a member of the Athena SWAN charter.

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