Job Description

Birkbeck, University of London, is seeking a fixed-term Research Assistant to join the School of Social Sciences this Summer 2025.



This is an exciting opportunity to work as a part-time Research Assistant to contribute to a ESRC funded project 'Gendered Images of Welfare: Gender, Politics and 40 Years of British Welfare Policy', studying the relationship between political welfare discourse and gendered welfare policies and outcomes.



As Research Assistant, you will work closely with the Project Lead, Dr Laura Richards-Gray (Birkbeck, University of London), and with the Project Co-Lead Tom O'Grady (UCL), on various aspects of the project. This is a part-time (21 hours a week) post, offered on a two year contract.



In particular, you will play a significant role in the qualitative analysis of welfare speeches and policy documents, and in the organisation and running of the project's policy workshop. You will also be expected to contribute to the drafting of project outputs, including co-authoring publications where appropriate.



To succeed you should have:


a post-graduate degree, or be working towards a PhD, in political science, social policy or a closely related discipline. previous experience of qualitative analysis and of writing academic outputs based on qualitative research. strong organisation and administration skills are essential for this role, as are excellent oral and written communication skills. previous experience of using Nvivo, or similar software, would be an advantage, as would specialist knowledge of social security policy and/or issues relating to politics and gender.

Given the involvement in supporting the activities of the Project Lead across all stages of this project, this role will provide significant opportunity for skills development.



If you have experience or interest in roles such as Research Fellow, Research Associate, or Academic Researcher, this position could be the perfect fit for you. Join us at Birkbeck as a leading London University with a unique mission for widening participation, and apply with us today.

Salary and benefits:

Actual 23,066 rising to 26,182 per year (0.6 FTE), Grade 6 (pro-rated 38,443-43,636 per annum, FTE) on the College's London Pay Scale which includes a consolidated London Weighting Allowance.



Benefits of working at Birkbeck: a competitive salary and pension scheme, 31 (pro-rated) days paid leave, hybrid and flexibility offered, generous benefits & training and development and a central location in Bloomsbury, Euston, London.

Contract:

Fixed-term until 31 August 2027, part-time, 21 hours a week. Hybrid/remote work offered but some travel to Central London will be required.

Closing date: Sunday 3 August 2025

. Interview date: Wednesday 13 August 2025. Please submit a CV and personal statement outlining your suitability for the role.

Enquiries

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If you would like to know more about the role, please contact Dr Laura Richards-Gray, l.richards-gray@bbk.ac.uk.



If you have difficulty using the recruitment portal, please contact jobs@bbk.ac.uk providing your name and the job reference number of the position. While we are happy to respond to all informal enquiries, only formal applications through the online system will be considered. www.birkbeck.ac.uk/jobs.



We welcome applicants from all sections of the community. The College is committed to improving the gender and cultural diversity of its workforce, holding an Athena SWAN award and operating Disability Confident & Mindful Employer schemes.