Graduate Research Assistant

at  University of Exeter

THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of research-intensive universities and in the top 200 universities in the world (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 and QS World University Ranking 2024). We combine world-class teaching with world-class research, achieving a Gold rating in the Teaching Excellence Framework Award 2023, underpinned by Gold ratings for Student Experience and Student Outcomes.
Our world-leading research impact has grown more than any other Russell Group university in recent years, and we are home to some of the world’s most influential researchers, seeking to answer some of the most fundamental issues facing humankind today. More than 99 percent of our research is of international quality and 47 percent is world-leading (2021 Research Excellence Framework).
We encourage proactive engagement with industry, business and community partners to enhance the impact of research and education and improve the employability of our students. Read about our world leading research – Green Futures and how we are transforming education for a changing world. We are located in a beautiful part of the country and Exeter (a fast growing tech hub) is one of only a few UK cities to have been designated as a UNESCO Creative City

MAIN DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. To support research activity under the direction of the principal investigator as appropriate to the research project. Responsibilities may include:

• Undertaking a broad range of basic research activity according to the nature of the research project. For example preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments and field work, developing questionnaires and conducting surveys, using straightforward mathematical modelling, statistical techniques or scientific computation;
• Maintaining databases, keeping accurate written and computerised records and ensuring data is stored securely and managed in accordance with the Data Protection Act;
• Conducting literature and database searches as required;
• Writing up the results of own research;
• Contributing to the production of research reports and publications;
• Presenting information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research, e.g. steering groups, sponsors or members of research groups;
• Assisting in the preparation of papers or reports for steering groups and other bodies;
• Providing administrative support to the principal investigator and other project researchers as required;
• Making use of standard research techniques and methods;
• Analysing and interpreting the results of own research and generating original ideas based on outcomes;
• Contributing to the planning of future research projects.

1. To support teaching activity by assisting in the supervision of student projects and providing limited supervision or instruction to classes, if required.
2. To liaise with members of the research team and other colleagues as appropriate to the research project.
3. To establish internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form networks for future collaboration.
4. To plan own day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed programme of research and co-ordinate own work with that of others in the group to avoid conflict or duplication of effort.
5. To use research resources, laboratories and workshops as appropriate and to adhere to safety procedures as appropriate. This may include wearing personal protective equipment, conducting risk assessments, reducing hazards and being responsible for the health and safety of others.
6. To engage in continuous professional development and to be responsible for continually updating own knowledge and understanding in field of study or specialism and for developing own skills.