Job Purpose

To make a leading contribution to the specific research objectives of the project “Exploring context, factors and approaches to educational exclusions and absences” and the wider research objectives the Children’s Lives and Outcomes strand of the E.S.R.C. funded Scottish Centre for Administrative Data Research (SCADR).

The selected candidate will work with the Principal Investigator Professor Morag Treanor, who leads the Children’s Lives and Outcomes strand of SCADR, of which Prof Treanor is also a co-director.

The post-holder will contribute to the design and delivery of policy-focused research using linked administrative datasets, as well as to the formulation and submission of research publications. The post-holder will also be expected to participate in policy and public engagement activities, training courses, and academic events.

This post will be based in the School of Social & Political Sciences in Glasgow, Gilmorehill Campus.  We do, however, have flexibility in regard to where the postholder will be based and will be happy to discuss this in more detail at the interview. Please note that there is an expectation that the successful candidate will need to travel to Glasgow and Edinburgh on a regular basis as required by the project. The University will not cover the cost of overnight stays or travel costs to visit the Gilmorehill Campus in Glasgow and the successful candidate will need to be based in the UK for the duration of the contract. There is also an expectation that the successful candidate may be required to travel to meet with the wider project team at the SCADR office in Edinburgh.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Perform the following activities in conjunction with the Principal Investigator (PI) as appropriate:

Research - 60% time

1.     Take a leading role in the planning and conduct of assigned research, taking responsibility for a core element as appropriate, in accordance with the project objectives. This will involve using linked administrative datasets and working in a secure data environment which requires high levels of data security and governance processes.

2.     Liaise with data controllers and research coordinators to identify the content of specific administrative datasets and verify their use for addressing specific research questions.

3.     Take the lead on planning and preparing all research access documentation and ensuring all necessary permissions are in place for research projects to proceed.

4.     Clean and manage research datasets to ensure they are suitable for analysis; and conduct statistical analysis using a range of descriptive and advanced modelling techniques, interpret the results, and write up findings in a clear and professional manner.

5.     Maintain accurate and up-to-date records documenting the research process (including all research code) and regularly report on progress at research meetings.

6.     Be responsible for ensuring that all data are processed and managed in compliance with applicable legislation, codes and policies.

7.     Liaise with colleagues in the wider ADR UK networks around related research and possible opportunities for collaboration.

Publication and dissemination - 20% time

8.     Review relevant literature for the research project and use this to take the lead in drafting research articles for publication in high quality international journals.

9.     Participate in academic seminars and conferences at national and international level and engage with relevant academic research networks within the UK and abroad.

10.  Provide content on research findings for SCADR publicity materials and the website and participate in social media and press communications.

11.  Write up research findings/outcomes for publication in leading journals for disseminations as appropriate.  Document research output including analysis and interpretation of all data, maintaining records and databases, drafting progress reports and papers as appropriate.

KE and Engagement - 15% of time

12.  Take the lead in organising meetings with, and participating in knowledge exchange and engagement events organised by, research stakeholders including policy makers, practitioners, non-academic analysts and members of the public.

13.  Translate research findings into non-technical language, respond to requests for information about the research (e.g. give evidence for Parliamentary committees) and prepare research briefing papers and reports for a range of non-academic audiences.

Other activities - 5% of time

14.  Contribute to the overall success and future sustainability of the SCADR by developing an interdisciplinary and collaborative approach to working with other research networks in order to exchange research findings, share and develop methodological expertise and explore opportunities for cross-cutting analysis and interdisciplinary publication.

15.  Identify potential areas for development and opportunities for additional funding and contribute to the preparation of research proposals and grant applications to external funding bodies.

16.  Participate in research training activities (e.g. SCADR courses on using administrative data) or teaching activities within the School.

17.  Undertake any other duties of equivalent standing as assigned by the Head of School and/or PI.

18.  To contribute to the enhancement of the University’s international profile in line with the University’s Strategic Plan – World Changes Together.

http://www.gla.ac.uk/about/strategy/people/

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Knowledge/Qualifications

Essential 

A1 Normally Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework level 12 (PhD) with at least 2 years’ post-doctoral experience in a similar or related role(s), or alternatively possess the equivalent in professional qualifications and experience .

A2 Substantial research experience (this can include time spent on the PhD) using advanced quantitative methods (e.g. longitudinal analysis, multilevel modelling) and willingness to undertake training as required.

A3 Knowledge of appropriate software packages (especially R, but also Stata, SPPS, SAS or MPlus) and willingness to undertake training as required.

Desirable

B1 Knowledge of the Scottish policy context and the National Performance Framework.

B2 ONS Safe Researcher Accreditation.

B3 Familiarity with research literature on school attainment/performance and its relationship with home backgrounds, poverty, inequality, neighbourhood/area effects, youth transitions.

Skills

Essential

C1 Ability to analyse and organise resources in order to manage time and workload effectively.

C2 Research creativity and strong cross-discipline collaborative ability as appropriate.

C3 Demonstrable ability to clearly and effectively and to interpret, explain, present and communicate the results of quantitative data analysis to different audiences (including academics, policy makers, practitioners and other non-specialists). 

C4 Proven initiative and judgement to resolve problems independently and/or as part of a team.

C5 Good data management skills, experience of handling and manipulating large or complex datasets

C6 Evidenced ability in writing syntax/code for preferred statistical package.

Experience

Essential

E1 A track record of presentation and publication of research results in quality journals and/ or at conferences appropriate to career stage.

E2 Experience and interest in communicating (written and oral) research findings to a wide range of stakeholders.

E3 Experience of managing and analysing large datasets, keeping shared workspaces tidy and appropriately documenting workflow.

Desirable

F1 Experience of data analysis of education, census, health or other administrative data.

F2 Experience of working with linked administrative datasets.

F3 Experience of working within a secure research environment

Informal enquiries may be directed to Professor Morag Treanor, Morag.Treanor@glasgow.ac.uk

Terms and Conditions

Salary will be Grade 7, £40,497 - £45,413 per annum.

This post is full time and fixed term until 31 March 2026.

Closing date : 2 April 2025 @23:45