The University of Lincoln is seeking a Research Assistant for an 18-month project exploring the effectiveness of various agencies in recruiting the best applicants. The study aims to provide key policy messages to inform innovative recruitment strategies. The Research Assistant will assist with data collection through organizational analysis, interviews, focus groups and more. They will also contribute to writing up findings for publication and disseminating results. Relevant experience and excellent communication, research, and IT skills are required for the role.

1. UNIVERSITY OF LINCOLN: FACULTY OF HEALTH, LIFE AND SOCIAL SCIENCES
Research Assistant (18 months fixed term)
The Faculty of Health Life and Social Sciences is keen to recruit a research assistant to join a multidisciplinary
research team funded by Connexions. The study aims to research into the effectiveness of …………………………..
(add your agency). They are particularly anxious to ensure that public services, private and charitable agencies are
recruiting the best applicants to work for them, to ensure they achieve their objectives. The study has the potential to
influence local organisational development recruitment and human resources policy in ………………………….(add
your agency)
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title Research Assistant: Grade RA5
Responsible to Professor I. Lovestats (Project co-ordinator)
Accountable to Dean of the Faculty of Health Life and Social Sciences
The Faculty of Health Life and Social Sciences is one of the leading providers of high quality education and research
of relevance to practitioners in a multitude of disciplines. As part of a nationally funded project, we are looking for a
research assistant for a study exploring the effectiveness of ……………………………. (add your agency) to ensure
that the agency is recruiting the best applicants to work for them, in order for it to achieve its objectives.
This is part of a national study funded by the Connexions agency which will hope will produce key policy messages
to inform the implementation of innovative and effective recruitment strategies. By exploring the professional
experience at an individual, team and organisational level we will produce findings that will contribute to
strengthening organisational support and advice about recruitment for professionals working in
…………………………………. (add your agency).
The post holder should be prepared to travel and work flexibly. Project specific training will be provided but some
experience of qualitative and quantitative data collection is essential.
Main Roles and Responsibilities
The roles and responsibilities of the post will be defined by the project co-ordinator and will involve:
• Assisting with an organisational analysis.
• Working with staff and managers at the agency.
• Collecting data, administering questionnaires, conducting interviews, assisting with focus groups.
• Building and maintaining service user group contacts and attending local focus groups.
• Contributing to the analysis of questionnaires, interviews and focus groups data.
• Setting up and facilitating group feedback meetings with participants.
• Contributing to the writing up the research findings for publication
• Contributing to dissemination of research findings at local, national and international level, where
appropriate

2. • Liaising with the project team, advisory groups, service users and stakeholders in the course of the project
• Liaising with outside bodies and other academic institutions relevant to the project
Accountability
The successful applicant will be accountable to Professor I. Lovestats (Project co-ordinator) and Dr Eth Nography.
The post-holder will also liaise with: academic and professional staff throughout the Faculty; external partners and
stakeholders in ………………………… (add your agency).
Person Specification
The following person specification will form the basis of the short-listing and selection criteria. It is therefore
anticipated that these criteria will be addressed by candidates in their supporting personal statement.
Criteria Essential Desirable
First degree in a related field, eg PhD in related discipline
Criminology, Social Policy, International
Knowledge and Relations, Politics, Combined Social
Qualifications Science. Evidence of publication in refereed
journals
Experience of research collaboration
Knowledge of research planning
Knowledge of Data Protection Policy
Awareness of ethical issues in research
Good inter-personal and communication Presentation of research at conferences,
skills seminars
Skills and expertise
Experience of working within Experience of case study analysis
multidisciplinary and/or inter-professional
teams
Experience of conducting interviews and/or
focus group discussions
Experience of quantitative and qualitative
research methodologies, data collection
and analysis.
Excellent IT skills
Ability to work independently and as part of
a large project team
Management
Ability to balance conflicting requirements,
to work under pressure and to negotiate
time and resources to meet demands
Experience of supporting and working with
service users and researchers
Salary Scale: The appointment will be on the salary scale for RA5: £20,234 - £24,886.
If you are interested in applying for this post, please write to Professor I. Lovestats, Department of Policy Studies, University of
Lincoln, Brayford Pool, Lincoln LN67TS enclosing a 500 word personal statement.