Details
1110478
University of Surrey
20/04/2026
6 Months
Around 69 hours - working April -September.
Not Applicable
Pay
£21.93
£2.65
Description
Role
The University of Surrey are seeking a Research Assistant to work with the Institute for Sustainability.
We are looking for a motivated and curious Research Assistant to join the - Love Dogs Love Nature: Phase 2 project, delivered in partnership with Surrey Hills National Landscape.
This project evaluates new signage and fencing interventions designed to encourage responsible dog walking and protect wildlife across two sites Wealden Heath National Nature Reserve and Norbury Park Farm. You will support the research and engagement activities that help us understand how visitors interact with these interventions and their surrounding environment.
Part time role working approximately 69 hours in total between April and September 2026.
£21.93 per hour.
£2.65 per hour holiday pay.
Closing date for applications - 7th of April.
Interviews to be held week commencing 13th of April.
Please submit your cv (no longer than 2 pages).
Cover letter - (1 page) and include why you are interested in the role, your relevant experience and your availability from April-September 2026.
Duties and responsibilities
You will work closely with Dr Thomas Roberts and the Sustainability Innovation Hub team to deliver key project activities, including:
- Conducting a literature review, updating findings from Phase 1.
- Carrying out onsite observations of dog walking behaviours at two locations.
- Conducting short interviews with members of the public.
- Supporting two stakeholder workshops, one with farmers and one with conservation and heathland managers (including preparation and facilitation support).
- Contributing to light touch data analysis across observations, interviews, and workshop notes.
- Assisting with the project report, including structuring content and refining clarity.
- Occasional weekend site visits may be required to capture typical visitor behaviour.
Skills and experience
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills (comfortable speaking with the public).
- Ability to take clear, structured notes during observations and interviews.
- Good organisational skills and the ability to work independently across multiple tasks.
- Basic understanding of qualitative research (e.g., observations, interviews).
- Willingness to work outdoors in variable weather conditions.
- Ability to travel to sites in the Surrey Hills.
Location
University of Surrey - occasional weekend site visits.
Additional information
The University of Surrey is a global community of ideas and people, dedicated to life-changing education and research.
We are ambitious and have a bold vision of what we want to achieve - shaping ourselves into one of the best universities in the world, which we are achieving through the talents and endeavour of every employee.
Our culture empowers people to achieve this aim and to collectively, and individually, make a real difference.
Apply for job