Research Assistant in Physical Activity and Sustainable Transport

GRADE 6

Job Purpose

You will contribute to two physical activity and active travel projects “Development of novel interventions promoting incidental physical activity among low socioeconomic groups in Sydney & Glasgow” and “Aligning active travel and mass transit for the Clyde Metro Project in Glasgow” working with Prof Jason Gill and Dr Emma Lawlor (project PIs) and co-investigators at the Universities of Glasgow and Sydney, as well as key stakeholders in Glasgow (e.g., Glasgow City Council).

The successful candidate will also be expected to work with external stakeholders and communities in Glasgow to: identify and co-develop future interventions to increase incidental physical activity in high-risk groups; explore perceived facilitators and barriers to engagement in active travel by high-risk groups; and understand what Glasgow can learn from other mass transit systems. They will also be expected to contribute to the formulation and submission of research publications and research proposals, as well as help manage and direct this complex and challenging project as opportunities allow.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Perform the following activities in conjunction with and under the guidance of the Principal Investigators:

1. Plan and conduct assigned research individually or jointly in accordance with the project deliverables and project/group/School/College research strategy.

2. Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting technical/progress reports and papers as appropriate.

3. Develop and enhance your research profile and reputation and that of The University of Glasgow/School/Research Group, including contributing to publications of international quality in high profile/quality refereed publications, enhancing the research impact in terms of economic/societal benefit, and gathering indicators of esteem.

4. Survey the research literature and environment, understand the research challenges associated with the project & subject area, & develop/implement a suitable research strategy.

5. Contribute to the presentation of work at international and national conferences, at internal and external seminars, colloquia and workshops to develop and enhance our research profile.

6. Contribute to the identification of potential funding sources and to assist in the development of proposals to secure funding from internal and external bodies to support future research.

7. Collaborate with colleagues and participate in team/ group/ meetings/ seminars/ workshops across the research Group/School/College/University and wider community.

8. Contribute to the organisation, supervision, mentoring and training of undergraduate and/or postgraduate students and less experienced members of the project team to ensure their effective development.

9. Perform administrative tasks related to the activities of the research group and School, including Budgets/Expenditure.

10. Carry out modest Teaching activities (e.g. demonstrating etc) and associated admin as assigned by the co-PIs.

11. Keep up to date with current knowledge and recent advances in the field/discipline.

12. Engage in continuing professional development activities as appropriate.

13. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the Head of School/PIs.

14. Contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University Strategy, World Changing Glasgow 2025.

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential:

A1 SCQF Level 10 (Honours degree) in a relevant subject or a cognate discipline (e.g. physical activity, public health, active travel or related field), or equivalent Specialist theoretical and practical knowledge in these fields

A2. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or subject specialism in physical activity, public health, active travel or related field

A3 Demonstrable knowledge of intervention development frameworks and programme theories

Desirable:

B1. An awarded (or recently submitted or near completion) PhD in relevant subject or equivalent

Skills

Essential:

C1 Proven ability in conducting systematic literature reviews

C2 Proven ability in conducting qualitative data collection (e.g., interviews/focus groups)

C3 Extensive qualitative data analysis/interpretation skills

C4 Proven ability in co-designing/co-creating research and research outputs with community/stakeholders

C5 Excellent communication skills (oral and written), including public presentations and ability to communicate complex data/concepts clearly and concisely

C6 Excellent interpersonal skills including team working and working with stakeholders

C7 Excellent time management skills

C8 Extensive IT and data analysis skills

C9 Self-motivation, initiative and independent thought/working

C10 Problem solving skills including a flexible and pragmatic approach

Experience

Essential:

E1. Sufficient relevant research experience (or equivalent) in a related field, appropriate to an early career researcher

E2. Experience of scientific writing

E3. Proven ability to deliver quality outputs in a timely and efficient manner

E4. Evidence of an emerging track record of high-quality research publications in a relevant field (e.g. physical activity, public health, and/or active travel)

For informal enquiries regarding this post please contact Professor Jason Gill Jason.Gill@glasgow.ac.uk

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 6, £33,232 - £36,924 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term for up to 6 months .

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.

Closing date: 27 February 2025 at 23:45