Part-Time Research Assistant – Horizon Scanning (Green Economy)

Reference
1089887

Branch
University of Warwick

Start date
09/12/2024

Duration
Other - See Job

Hours and days
20 hours per week. Days can be flexible.

Dress code
Not Applicable

Rate of pay
£17.85

Holiday rate
£2.15

Role

Hybrid working. Ideal for PhD candidates or recent doctoral graduates with a strong foundation in research, practical experience in reviewing scientific literature, and skills in collaborative, participatory methods. We also welcome applications from candidates with a Master’s degree who have demonstrated exceptional skills in these areas.

We are looking to recruit a part-time Research Assistant (0.6 FTE) at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Methodologies (CIM) to work with Dr Kavin Narasimhan, and collaborators at the University of Leeds, and non-academic partners in local, regional, and national policy. CIM holds a Bronze Athena Swan award. As part of our team, the successful candidate will conduct horizon scanning activities, assessing and interpreting critical trends, risks, and opportunities that influence the Green Economy landscape. This position is ideal for PhD candidates or individuals with an advanced research background seeking additional experience and a unique opportunity to apply their skills in a strategic, real-world context. 

Informal queries about the role directed to Dr Kavin Narasimhan (kavin.narasimhan@warwick.ac.uk) are welcome. Interviews for the position will be held during the week commencing 2nd December 2024 (date to be confirmed).

Data protection: The information you provide when applying for the role will only be used for the purpose of the recruitment. It will be stored securely on University of Warwick approved systems and in line with the University’s data retention policy. You have the right to withdraw your data at any time by contacting the recruiter. 

Right to Work: You will need to demonstrate your Right to Work in the UK for this role.

Note: We are aiming for a fast-track recruitment procedure, ideally to start working on 9th Dec 2024. We are open to flexible working arrangements to accommodate candidates’ schedules and commitments.  

Duties and responsibilities

• Conduct Horizon Scanning: Collate evidence on current and emerging trends, risks, and opportunities relevant to Green Economy from diverse sources, including academic publications, industry reports, policy documents, datasets, and news media. 
• Analysis and Presentation: Competence in qualitative and quantitative tools and approaches for literature searches, evidence assessment, data visualisation and presentation. 
• Collaboration: Work closely with the project team and non-academic partners, facilitating and participating in workshops, survey, and interviews to gather input, share findings, and incorporate feedback into horizon scanning activities, ensuring alignment with the project goals. 
• Communication: Have excellent communication skills with the ability to draw out key messages from research and present them clearly and innovatively.

Skills and experience

• Ideal for PhD candidates or recent doctoral graduates in a relevant field (e.g., Environmental Studies, Economics, Sustainable Development). Candidates from other disciplines with a strong foundation in research, practical experience in reviewing scientific literature, and skills in collaborative, participatory methods are also strongly encouraged to apply. We also welcome applications from candidates with a Master’s degree who have demonstrated exceptional skills in these areas.
• Proficiency in literature review methods, data organisation, analysis, and presentation are compulsory. Some experience of using Horizon Scanning (or other Futures methods) and tools is desirable but not mandatory. 
• Strong research and analytical skills, with a keen attention to detail. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills to translate findings into clear, actionable insights. 
• Ability to manage time effectively in a part-time role, balancing different tasks and deadlines. 
• Experience with text mining, natural language processing, and fine-tuning Large Language Models for specific evidence-gathering tasks would be a plus, but not mandatory. 

Location
Combination (Hybrid) – On campus in Warwick, Work from Home

Additional information

• Predicted contract dates: 9th Dec 2024 – 30th June 2025. 
• If the successful candidate has a PhD the rate of pay will be £18.37 per hour, plus £2.22 holiday pay per hour (pre-AWR).
• Advert closing date: 28/11/2024.

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