Research Associate - COMET Project

The role

The role is to assist with the METEOR https://www.ukrn.org/activities/enhancing-research-culture/ and COMET research projects, which can be thought of as two phases of a single science studies research and engagement project whose aim is to improve the use of applied meta-research evidence in the decision-making processes of research institutions that affect their research culture, indirectly enhancing the quality, rigour, transparency and social value of research.

The post-holder will assist in the implementation, delivery, dissemination and evaluation of the METEOR and COMET Projects, under the direct supervision of a Research Fellow, and alongside one other research associate (based at the University of Sussex) and a project coordinator. The project principal investigators are in the School of Psychological Sciences and the School of Education. The work takes place in the context of:

• the national UK Reproducibility Network (UKRN - ukrn.org);
• the TARG research group ‘meta-research’ stream in Psychology at Bristol (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/psychology/research/brain/targ/);
• the School of Education at Bristol (https://www.bristol.ac.uk/education/);
• the Science Policy Research Unit (SPRU - https://www.sussex.ac.uk/business-school/people-and-departments/spru) at the University of Sussex.

The post-holder will play an active and constructive role in the research team.

The core research methodological strategies in this project are qualitative, based on interviews, focus groups and site visits, with data analysed using triangulated thematic analysis based on both inductive and deductive approaches. Analysis of secondary datasets, including quantitative datasets, might form a small part of the studies.

What will you be doing?

• Developing an understanding of universities’ structures, policies and procedures and relevant issues in the higher education, research, social and political environment.
• Conducting interviews, focus groups, surveys and other data generation activities using well-defined instruments, topic guides, etc.
• Analysing data collected by themselves and/or others using defined analysis protocols and techniques.
• Engaging with stakeholders including study participants, funders and intended users of the research, in ways defined by and under the supervision of the Research Fellow.
• Assisting in the dissemination of research by drafting and reviewing papers, posters and other outputs for diverse audiences.

You should apply if

• You have some subject knowledge in the area of research, in this case research culture and decision-making in academic institutions.
• You have good and relevant data collection and analytical skills.
• You have the ability to engage with, and build and maintain excellent relationships with, a wide range of stakeholders in the research system
• You have previous experience of relevant research or appropriate transferable skills.

Additional information

For informal enquiries please contact Neil Jacobs neil.jacobs@bristol.ac.uk.

It is anticipated that interviews will take place week commencing 17^th June 2024.

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

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