Research Assistant

About The RoleWe are seeking a highly motivated Research Assistant to join a fixed term ESRC IAA funded-project that builds on the largest-ever national study of racism in rural England. Working within the Centre for Hate Studies, you will support a programme of knowledge exchange and policy co-production, translating findings from the Rural Racism Project into practical, anti-racist policy tools for rural-facing organisations.This is an excellent opportunity for a PGR or ECR with a strong grounding in qualitative research, rural studies, racism/anti-racism, or related fields. The role offers hands-on experience working with national partners and provides valuable opportunities for professional development in research impact and policy engagement.You will support stakeholder liaison, contribute to the drafting of anti-racist policy frameworks and a national policy briefing paper, whilst helping coordinate a week of in-person knowledge exchange activity, and assist with the collection of qualitative feedback from partners. You will also work closely with the project team to ensure the successful delivery of project outputs.We Welcome Applications From Candidates WithPostgraduate qualifications or equivalent in the social sciences or the equivalent professional qualification and experienceExperience of qualitative research, particularly within rural, anti-racist or hate studies contextsExpertise in qualitative research methods and data analytical techniques (e.g., NVivo, thematic coding)Experience working with seldom heard communities and/or sensitive research topicsStrong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with external partnersA collaborative, organised and compassionate approach to researchThis role is ideal for someone wishing to gain further experience in applied research, rural equity work, and policy development within a supportive, research-active centre.About YouYou will have excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively. Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach are essential, as you will be working across teams and with a variety of stakeholders. You will also be confident using Microsoft Office and digital collaboration tools, including Teams and SharePoint.We are seeking someone who can work both independently and as part of a team, demonstrating initiative, reliability, and a positive attitude. Experience handling sensitive data in line with ethical standards, using online survey platforms (such as Qualtrics or SurveyMonkey), or engaging with anti-racist and inclusive research principles would be beneficial.If you are passionate about qualitative research and eager to contribute to meaningful, people-focused projects, we would love to hear from you.Additional informationInformal enquiries are welcome and should be made to Rachel Keighley at rachel.keighley@leicester.ac.ukAs part of the University’s ongoing commitment to professional development, this role will also be considered on a seconded basis for existing staff members. Please ensure this is discussed with your line manager prior to applying. More information regarding secondments can be found hereThe University of Leicester has been changing the world, and changing people’s lives, for 100 years. When you join us, you’ll become part of a community of Citizens of Change, which includes not only our staff and our current students but also thousands of Leicester graduates around the world.As a diverse and forward-thinking employer, we embed the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion into everything we do. That includes not just our core missions of teaching and research, but also our support for staff, students and our local community through our values of Inspiring, Impactful and Inclusive.We’re committed to the wellbeing of all our staff and to the sustainability of our environment, on our campus and beyond. We offer a competitive salary package, excellent pension scheme and a generous annual leave allowance, along with opportunities to develop your career in a supportive and collaborative environment.Unable to show this video due to your cookie preferences