CASUAL ACADEMIC - Research Assistant at Durham University

Durham, England, United Kingdom -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

28 Dec, 25

Salary

0.0

Posted On

29 Sep, 25

Experience

0 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Qualitative Research, Data Analysis, Literature Review, Website Development, Social Media Clipping, Transcription Software, Blog Development, Scientific Publication

Industry

Higher Education

Description

The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, and a unique and historical setting – Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally. Across the University we have a vast variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, that is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here. The below role descriptor seeks to capture the main requirements of the role consistently, providing a summary of the key duties of the flexible role to help in setting expectations for applicants, flexible workers and line managers. They are not intended to cover all duties which may be required. Research Assistant – Grade 6 – Department of Sociology 6 hours per week for 8 months* (35 weeks): 1 Nov 2025 – 30 June 2026 *for an RA working compressed hours: 17 hours per week for 3 months (12 weeks) Working with Dr Angela Marques Filipe We are seeking to appoint a Research Assistant (RA) to work flexibly six hours per week for eight months (or 35 weeks)* and support a range of tasks on the Leverhulme Trust project “Reframing Ecoanxiety: A cultural and political history” led by Dr Angela M. Filipe (Sociology). The project will chart the history of ecoanxiety and its everyday expression among scientific and activist communities. The RA will work alongside Dr Angela M. Filipe on the project’s research activities including: (i) conducting a literature review and targeted social/news media clipping; (ii) assisting with qualitative interviews, data analysis and write up; and (iii) supporting the development of the project’s website and/or other public-facing output (e.g. publications and events), depending on the applicant’s research interests and career development goals. Previous experience of qualitative research in the social sciences and humanities is essential, but open to a range of theoretical perspectives and methods across disciplines (e.g., historical and critical discourse analysis; cultural and media studies; STS; medical and environmental humanities). Prior knowledge of bibliographic and transcription software would be an asset, as would any experience of blog/website development and scientific publication. We welcome applications from postgraduate researchers in the social sciences, arts, and humanities. We also welcome applications from researchers in practice, with relevant expertise, outside of academia. There will be opportunity for wider learning and training, as well as networking and mentoring from the PI, as this project links in further with interdisciplinary workstreams. *Work will be carried out remotely and flexibly. The successful applicant will have the option of working the same hours within a compressed 12-week period (e.g., 17 hours/week for 3 months). The PI and RA will informally review progress as the work develops, with the possibility of renewing and/or extending the contract (contingent on HR policy and funds) until end of 2026. For informal enquiries, please email angela.m.filipe@durham.ac.uk. Please apply with a 1-page cover letter highlighting your interests, skills, and qualifications. Links to profile page and/or project roles should be embedded in the letter (optional: a short writing extract appended as PDF). Right to work in the UK checks will be carried out.

Responsibilities

The Research Assistant will support a range of tasks on the Leverhulme Trust project 'Reframing Ecoanxiety', including conducting literature reviews, assisting with qualitative interviews, and supporting the development of the project’s website. The role involves working flexibly six hours per week for eight months.