Research Assistant (Social Sciences)

Grade and Salary:Grade 6 31236 - 36636

FTE and working pattern:Part time 0.50% FTE (17.5Hrs) fixed-term contract until 31 July 2026

G6-G10 :33 days annual leave plus 9 buildings closed days for all full time staff. Use our total rewards calculator: see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.

The role:

This is an exciting opportunity for a researchassistantto engage in participatory action research to inform working practices across the participating organisations. The role will involve a combination of activities tosupport the impact and engagement of research projects which aim to improve working lives and employment outcomes for marginalised people. The successful candidate will hold or expect to obtain an undergraduate degree in social sciences with equivalentpost graduationexperience such as amastersor research experiences.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

Person Specification

We are seeking to appoint a research assistant to undertake data collection (qualitative)tomap the impact ofdisability inclusive science careers.

• To work withindustrial stakeholders todisseminateresearch findings.
• To produce research outputs including blogsfactsheetsand reports.
• To carry out the research project to a high standard;
• Meeting planned milestones and deliverables.
• Reporting progress regularly to supervisors both verbally and in written reports
• Keeping clear written records of workdone andstoring data in accessible formats according to a system agreed with the project supervisor.
• To collaborate with partners within the project and others as appropriate

Essential Criteria

Qualifications Knowledge Skills & Experience

Appointment aimed for those holding an undergraduate degree in social sciences with equivalent post graduation experience such as a masters and/or research assistant experience

• An ability to demonstrate an understanding of equality and diversity in the workplace is essential
• Experience of undertaking and analysing qualitative research
• Ability to work with a range of stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability in writing research outputs
• Experience in public presentations of research results
• Evidence of research ability for example completing projects on time to a high quality.
• Ability to work as part of a team within Heriot Watt University and across partners

Desirable criteria

• Experience in leading the writing of research outputs
• Experience of leading research engagement activities
• Evidence of effective social media use as related to research
• Evidence of web-design such as writing blog posts
• Experience of designing and delivering training

How to Apply

Please submit via the Heriot-Watt on-line recruitment system (1) Cover letter describing your interest and suitability for the post; (2) Full CV

Applications can be submitted until23:55 on Sunday 10 May 2026.

The post is available at 50% FTE on a fixed-term contract until 31 July 2026

For further information regarding the position please contact Professor Kate Sang Director Centre for the Transformation of Work

About Heriot-Watt University

At Heriot Watt we are passionate about our values and look to them to connect our people globally and to help us collaborate and celebrate our success through working together. Our research programmes can deliver real world impact which is achieved through the diversity of our international community and the recognition of creative talent that connects our global team.

Our flourishing community will give you the freedom to challenge and to bring your enterprising mind and to help our partners with solutions that can be applied now and in the future. Join us and Heriot Watt will provide you with a platform to thrive and work in a way that also helps you live your life in balance with well-being and inclusiveness at the heart of our global community.

Heriot-Watt University is committed to securing equality of opportunity in employment and to the creation of an environment in which individuals are selected trained promoted appraised and otherwise treated on the sole basis of their relevant merits and abilities. Equality and diversity are all about maximising potential and creating a culture of inclusion for all.

Heriot-Watt University values diversity across our University community and welcomes applications from all sectors of society particularly from underrepresented groups. For more information please see our website and also our award-winning work in Disability Inclusive Science Careers .

We welcome and will consider flexible working patterns e.g. part-time working and job share options.

Use our total rewards calculator: see the value of benefits provided by Heriot-Watt University.