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Research Assistant for Sustainable Food Supply Chains Project

Details


1103001


University of Nottingham


03/11/2025


12 Months


Schedule to be confirmed with the worker, 7.25 hours per week


Smart Casual

Pay


-


-

Description

Role
Project summary: Food systems stakeholders in developing countries are marginalised through the intersectionality of various socio-economic inequalities, including income, education, and geography. The management literature has been sparse in addressing these inequalities (Wang, Touboulic, and O’Neill, 2018). Furthermore, research has not sufficiently explored how inequalities in food systems affect human life, particularly the production and consumption choices of people in developing countries. We aim to conceptually and empirically shift the research focus toward facilitating agency-building for traditionally marginalised stakeholders. Specifically, our research agenda aims to:

  • Engage Marginalised Stakeholders: Utilise qualitative and participatory methods to include food systems stakeholders (i.e., farmers, consumers) in defining and understanding the sustainability agenda of achieving good health and wellbeing (SDG 3) and responsible production and consumption (SDG 12).
  • Rehumanise Food Supply Chains: Shift the focus from bureaucratic efficiency to humane and moral dimensions in food systems, targeting the sociological processes through which supply chains affect human stakeholders.
  • Build Agency: Empower marginalised food systems stakeholders (i.e., farmers and consumers) to drive sustainable change in their communities.
 
Role Overview: We are seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable Research Assistant to join our impactful project focused on sustainable food supply chains and supporting the health and wellbeing of marginalized communities. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in qualitative research, with a preference for those familiar with the Jamaican or Caribbean context.
 

Start Date: 3rd November 2025

End Date: 2nd November 2026

Working Hours: Flexible work to be arranged with the successful candidate. A total number of 65 hours to be completed at around 7.25 hours per week.

Pay Rate: £18.36 per hour 

Holiday Pay Rate: £2.22 per hour

Location: UoN Jubilee Campus 

Dress Code: Smart Casual

Duties and responsibilities

  • Support literature search and data coding/analysis
  • Assist in designing and implementing qualitative research methodologies. These methods may include interviews, focus groups and observations
  • Design participatory and visual research methods to support data collection
  • Engage with community stakeholders to gather qualitative data
  • Contribute to reports and presentations on the research project
  • Collaborate with the project team to ensure timely completion of project milestones
  • Provide teaching and learning support

Skills and experience
Essential

  • MSc in a relevant field (e.g., Business/Management, Food Systems, Community Healthcare, Sociology,)
  • Strong analytical and research skills
  • Experience with qualitative research methods
  • Proficiency in literature search and data coding/analysis
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
  • Passion for sustainability, marginalised groups and community health
 
Desirable
  • PhD student or PhD holder
  • Experience working with marginalized communities
  • Knowledge of sustainable food systems
  • Knowledge or healthcare and/or healthcare operations
  • Familiarity with the Jamaican/Caribbean context and its unique challenges and opportunities
  • Proficiency in data analysis software (e.g., NVivo)

Location
Si Yuan or working from home

How to apply

Please apply here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=7qe9Z4D970GskTWEGCkKHrXcggLYpKBJtWBFiXG-kepUQVZaWEpJQ05PQTFCR0paWEIwSlFTSkQxNi4u

 

Ensure that you demonstrate how you meet the requirements outlined above in your written application. You will always need to tailor your application to the role you are applying for. 

Applications may close early if a suitable candidate is found, so apply early to avoid disappointment. 

 

The Flexible Staffing Team at the University of Nottingham are committed to promoting equality of opportunity, and we welcome applications from candidates who reflect the diversity of our communities. 

 

If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made during the recruitment process on account of a disability or other health-related condition, please contact the team at FlexibleStaffing@nottingham.ac.uk 

 

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This is a Unitemps role at the University of Nottingham which has been advertised by the Flexible Staffing Team. By applying for this role, you are agreeing to that we will share your application information with the recruiter for this role within UoN. Your details will be processed in accordance with our Privacy Notice which can be found on our website. If your application is successful, you will need to complete an eligibility to work check prior to commencing work.