Research Assistant

Details


1106353


University of Salford


02/02/2026


6 Months


7.5 hours - 1 day a week or 2 1/2 days


Not Applicable

Pay


£18.01


£2.17

Description

Role
Project Summary Pathways to Participation is a collaborative project co-designed and delivered with a community partner, an award-winning charity led by people with learning disabilities. The project is centred around the development and implementation of a series of five creative research workshops, each introducing a different participatory methodology photovoice, visual art, poetry, dance, movement, and music. Each workshop is facilitated by experts experienced in both the chosen method and inclusive practice. A group of six participants living with learning disabilities will take part in all sessions, engaging with, and reflecting on, each approach to identify which modes of creative expression and inquiry most effectively support them to share their voices. The project aims to generate new insights and establish a strong foundation for future inclusive and participatory research.

Duties and responsibilities

  • Support the organisation of 5 creative research workshops. 
  • Assist with qualitative data collection, management and analysis. 
  • Liaise with our community partner and collaborators to support the smooth delivery of the project.
  • Contribute to the development of a review exploring how creative methodologies are used to engage and understand the experiences of people with disabilities.
  • Provide administrative support for workshop activities
  • Contribute to data collection and analysis.
  • Primarily assist with a literature and evidence review
  • Support the delivery of the Pathways to Participation project, particularly during the scoping and coordination phases. 
  • Working closely with the project lead and community partner

Skills and experience
Essential Criteria

• A postgraduate qualification in a relevant discipline (e.g. Sociology, Social Policy, Social Work, Disability Studies, Nursing or related field). 
• Understanding of creative and participatory research approaches.
• Experience of undertaking qualitative research including analysis. 
• Experience working with people with learning disabilities in any context (e.g., educational, clinical, community, or creative settings). 
• Experience conducting literature reviews or desk-based research. • Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 
 
Desirable Criteria 
• Experience working with community or third-sector organisations. 
• Experience in ethnographic research. 
• Experience using participatory/arts-based/creative research approaches. 
• Experience contributing to or conducting disability-focused research. 
• Experience in coordinating small workshops or events.
• Experience writing academic reports or journal articles.

Location
University of Salford

Benefits
The role offers valuable experience in disability and co-produced research within social justice and creative practice contexts.

Apply for job