School of Education & Social Sciences
Paisley Campus/ Remote Working
Salary: AC1 £18.70 - £22.19 per hour
Part time: 7 hours per week
THE POST - Research Assistant: Gaelic Medium Education: a career advantage for school leavers in Scotland?
The University of West of Scotland has an exciting opportunity to join their Social Sciences division on a project exploring senior phase (S4-S6) pupils' perceptions of the career benefits of Gaelic Medium Education (GME) and the impact of this on early career decisions of GME school leavers aged 17-25.
Working closely with the Principal Investigator (PI), Dr Emma Bolger, you will support the PI in data collection in Gaelic and data analysis, writing a literature review with translation to Gaelic and English as well as a final report and other relevant dissemination tools and their translation to Gaelic and English.
This project will carry out a mixed methods research approach which will include qualitative face-to-face focus group interviews conducted with senior phase (S4-6) pupils in GME in several local authorities and a self-administered online survey.
The research assistant will be required to recruit and conduct these Gaelic-language focus groups and co-design and recruit participants for surveys. For the focus groups, the proposed locations are Glaschu, Dùn Èideann, Inbhir Nis, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar. Travel time and costs will be incorporated in the job role. The role will require an average of 1 day per week throughout the contract period, but the working days may be undertaken in blocks in line with the role requirements.
The successful candidate should have the following:
* An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant subject (e.g. social sciences, education, psychology, research methods)
* Mixed methods research experience
* Report writing and other presentation skills
* Experience of leading focus groups
* Fluent Gaelic Speaker
* Ability to write to meet the needs of stakeholders from both professional and academic backgrounds
* Knowledge and understanding of Gaelic Medium Education
* Understanding of robust ethical conduct in research, particularly in relation to research with young people
Applicants should be aware that this role is fully funded externally, so it is offered as fixed term for 6 months. Any further extension would be considered on the renewal of that external funding.
Closing Date: Thursday 17th April 2025
Interview Date: Wednesday 30th April 2025
The University reserves the right to shorten/extend the closing date of any position where a high/low volume of suitable applications are received. Therefore, if you are interested in this role, an early application would be encouraged.
UWS is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from underrepresented groups.
UWS is a "Disability Confident" employer.
University of the West of Scotland is a registered Scottish charity, no. SC002520.
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