Research Assistant/ Associate in ESRC IAA 'Rural Futures' Project

Salary: Research Assistant £33,951 to £35,608 per annum, pro rata Research Associate £36,636 to £46,049 per annum, pro rata Newcastle University is a great place to work, with excellent benefits . We have a generous holiday package; plus the opportunity to buy more, great pension schemes and a number of health and wellbeing initiatives to support you. Closing Date: 09 November 2026 The Role We are excited to launch this opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic individual to join our team as a Research Assistant/Associate on the exciting new ESRC IAA-funded project, ' Work ing together to create better futures for rural Gateshead ' . This innovative impact project explores how to embed new sustainable, relational ways of working with communities in rural Gateshead. This will be supported by community training in community organising and research skills, to build community confidence in developing and using a theory of change to hold policymakers to account and provide a structure for community collaboration. In this project, community members are positioned as key expert decision makers and educators in the development of more inclusive and sustainable rural futures. You will join a community of colleagues, based in Newcastle, within Education in the School of Education, Communication and Language Sciences (ECLS ) You will be part of The Community for Learning and Teaching (CfLaT) research group, as well as connecting to other associated research groups across the University, including the Centre for Children and Youth. This role supports the ESRC IAA project, ' Working together to create better futures for rural Gateshead ' , led by Dr Deborah Ralls (Education) in partnership with Gateshead Council Localities Team. The study is structured in several stages, involving: Qualitative data collection and analysis from community conversations, community workshops and participatory mapping sessions with children, adults and policymakers in rural Gateshead Qualitative data collection and analysis from co-design workshops developing community organising skills, training young researchers, and producing a theory of change and community manifesto Planning, co-facilitating and recording of meetings, workshops and a final event with local communities and Gateshead Council, including supporting the development of the Gateshead Council Rural Futures Working Group and a Community Collective Panel We welcome applications from individuals with: A background in the Humanities or Social Sciences with experience in conducting co-produced qualitative impact studies and research, or Qualitative participatory research skills and experience that can support the development of new, creative and collaborative approaches to policymaking with local communities You will lead qualitative data collection and analysis, including: Recruiting and contacting study participants and helping to plan and deliver creative participatory approaches to data collection, including community workshops, meetings and events Supporting participants to share their experiences and opinions on how to work together for better futures for rural Gateshead Analysing and recording data using established qualitative methods Coordinating key project activities with Gateshead Council, local community groups and schools, and other key project partners such as Youth Focus North East and Citizens UK Maintaining relationships with Gateshead Council, community groups and schools This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to impactful research and work within a dynamic, interdisciplinary project. You will be part of a supportive research environment with colleagues experienced in community engagement, policymaking, and creative participatory methodologies. If a newly qualified practitioner, we would provide support for individuals to complete some of the NQP competencies consistent with the scope of this role. You should be self-motivated, organised, and have excellent communication and interpersonal skills. An interest in place-based education research, creative participatory methodologies and community engagement is essential. We are committed to building and maintaining a fair and inclusive working environment. We would be happy to discuss arrangements for flexible working, including a combination of working on campus and remotely, and flexibility around start and finish times, appropriate to the needs of the role. However, please note that responsibilities of this role, linked to collecting qualitative data, will require attendance at some in-person focus groups, workshops and other related activities in rural Gateshead (primarily Chopwell and Highfield, but may expand to other wards as project develops and progresses) and Newcastle University. This may require occasional work outside of standard hours to facilitate participant engagement in activities around their work and other commitments. The post holder will be required to hold/undergo a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check. This part-time, fixed term post is available at 20% of full time (0.2FTE). This will be until 31.10.27. Start date: As soon as possible You will report to Dr Deborah Ralls (Principal Investigator) and Dr Helen Coulson (co-Investigator). We want you to feel confident when applying for a position with Newcastle University. If you’d like an informal discussion to clarify any points, please contact Dr Deborah Ralls deborah.ralls@newcastle.ac.uk . We are committed to making the process accessible to everyone and can provide additional support to adjustments to meet your needs. To apply – Please include a CV and a cover letter which demonstrates how you meet the essential criteria. What happens next – Interviews will be held on Monday 16 November We follow the Researcher Development Concordat: Researcher Development | Our Research | Newcastle University . We enable all colleagues to fulfil their research potential regardless of career stage. This commitment secures our thriving research culture and vibrant research environment. Our offer to each individual and their researcher development includes mentoring, annual research planning discussions, pooled research funding to support career development and research activities, peer review support for the development of research and innovation funding applications. As part of our commitment to career development for research colleagues, the University has developed 3 levels of Research Innovation Role Profiles.pdf . These profiles set out firstly the generic competencies and responsibilities expected of role holders at each level and, secondly, the general qualifications and experiences needed for entry at a particular level. Newcastle University is committed to the responsible use of research metrics as part of our research culture and research strategy. We advocate for the transparent, appropriate, and inclusive use of metrics, guided by expert judgment, to support high-quality, impactful research that is open, collaborative and sustainable. Click here for our full policy statement on the Responsible use of Research Metrics. Key Accountabilities Research Assistant Lead liaison with Gateshead Council, Youth Focus North East, Citizens UK, community groups and schools, to secure and coordinate participant recruitment and project engagement across diverse groups Facilitate effective community and Council engagement throughout the project lifecycle Collect, analyse and interpret research data and draw conclusions on the outcomes Co-ordinate own work with that of others, use problem solving to affect the achievement of research objectives and contribute to the planning of the project(s) Present information on research progress and outcomes to a Principal Investigator or groups overseeing the research project Write up results from own research activity and provide input into the research project’s dissemination, in whatever form (report, papers, chapters, books) Use research resources (including, where required, laboratories, workshops and specialist equipment) as appropriate Research Associate Contribute ideas, including enhancements to the technical or methodological aspects of the project Determine appropriate methodologies for research, in consultation with the PI Assess research findings for the need/scope for further investigations Contribute to the writing up of the research and its dissemination, either through seminar and conference presentations or through publications Present research findings, either at conferences or through publications in reputable outlets appropriate to the discipline Contribute to grant applications submitted by others and develop own research objectives and proposals for funding The Person Knowledge, Skills and Experience Research Assistant Experience applying creative participatory qualitative research methods for data collection and analysis (e.g., participatory mapping, focus groups and workshops using creative methods) and analysis Experience of undertaking community engagement, and/or co-design, activities Experience of developing and maintaining relationships with diverse stakeholders Knowledge of the rural Gateshead community context and/or the specific challenges facing rural communities Attention to detail and ability to work at high levels of accuracy Ability to present complex information effectively to a range of audiences Proven ability to analyse data and write-up results Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues Excellent IT skills in all major office applications The ability to use personal initiative and creativity to solve research problems In addition, for Research Associate Awareness of the research environment High level of analytical and problem-solving capacity Ability to communicate complex information with clarity Experience of presentations at conferences and/or in high-quality publications Attributes and Behaviour Commitment to working positively as a member of a multi-skilled research team Ability to negotiate and prioritise multiple, competing responsibilities and to work to deadlines Commitment to continued professional development Understanding of good practice in equality, inclusion and diversity Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of audiences Qualifications Research Assistant Honours degree in Humanities or Social Sciences or working towards a PhD in a related area In addition for Research Associate A completed PhD in a relevant area (e.g. Humanities or Social Sciences) or significant experience working in community engagement Newcastle University is a global University where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. As a University of Sanctuary, we aim to provide a welcoming place of safety for all, offering opportunities to people fleeing violence and persecution. We are committed to being a fully inclusive university which actively recruits, supports and retains colleagues from all sectors of society. We value diversity as well as celebrate, support and thrive on the contributions of all of our employees and the communities they represent. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer and encourage applications from individuals who can complement our existing teams, we believe that success is built on having teams whose backgrounds and experiences reflect the diversity of our university and student population. At Newcastle University we hold a Gold Athena Swan award in recognition of our good employment practices for the advancement of gender equality. We also hold a Race Equality Charter Bronze award in recognition of our work towards tackling race inequality in higher education REC. We are a Disability Confident employer and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role as part of the offer and interview scheme. In addition, we are a member of the Euraxess initiative supporting researchers in Europe. Requisition ID: 29765