Research Assistant posts at the Global Drug Policy Observatory

There are 2 posts available; one full time and one part time for 17.5 hours per week.
£26,779 to £28,401 per annum Full Time and £13,390 to £14,201 per annum Part Time, together with USS pension benefits if required.
The normal expectation is that the successful applicant will be appointed to the minimum of the scale with annual increments on 1 October each year (subject to completing six months service).

These posts are fixed term from 1 February 2013 until 31 January 2015.

Research Grade 7

It is anticipated that interviews will be held 25th January 2013.

The post-holders will be core to the establishment, operation and development of the Global Drug Policy Observatory; an exciting new research centre based within the Research Institute for Arts and Humanities (RIAH) and with links to the Research Institute of Applied Social Studies (RIASS). The Observatory will engage in a range of ‘impact’ oriented activities and aim to promote evidence based drug policy through the comprehensive and rigorous reporting, monitoring and analysis of policy developments at national and international levels. Working with the Observatory Director as part of a small but high-functioning team, the post-holder’s principal activities will include: the planning, research for and the production of drug policy briefs; research assistance for in-depth policy reports; organization of seminars/policy dialogues; development and subsequent maintenance of a network of partner institutions; maintaining a dedicated website and ensuring Observatory presence on social media platforms; media liaison; identifying external funding opportunities and assisting the Director with the preparation of grant applications.

The successful candidate will have excellent written and verbal communication skills and proven expertise in undertaking drug policy research and analysis, including a publication record. He or she will also have excellent organisational skills, the ability to operate in a self-directed manner and a thorough knowledge of web-management and Microsoft Office packages. A relevant postgraduate qualification and familiarity with the current international drug policy environment are essential.

1. Plan, undertake research for and produce on a regular basis grey literature policy briefs on a range of sub-national, national, regional and international drug policy issues;
2. Take a lead role in the production of annual publications based upon policy briefs
3. Provide research, and where necessary drafting, assistance for a series of in-depth policy reports;
4. Assist in the production of REF eligible journal articles;
5. Make conference presentations on research projects and represent the Observatory at seminars, meetings etc. within the University and beyond;
6. Organize seminars/policy dialogues involving colleagues from within Swansea University and beyond, including academics, NGO (non-governmental organisations) based analysts, civil servants, journalists and policy makers;
7. Develop a network of partner institutions (academic and NGO within the UK and beyond) and maintain close working relationships thereafter;
8. Maintain a dedicated website and ensure Observatory presence on a range of social media platforms;
9. Develop and liaise effectively with media contacts and work closely with the SU Public Relations team on promoting Observatory activities;
10. Develop and maintain a related database of information and assist where appropriate in identifying external funding opportunities;
11. Work with the Department of Research and Innovation and the Observatory Director in the preparation of grant applications and budgets;
12. Liaise effectively with other Swansea University research centres and Colleges working in related areas of research;
13. Carry out other duties and responsibilities as specified by the Observatory Director.

In addition, this appointment has a number of generic objectives common to research appointments. These relate to developing and generating novel research concepts, designs, directions, and outputs in areas related to Global Drug Policy Observatory.

A Research Assistant will be expected to:
1. Pro-actively contribute to and conduct research, including gather, prepare and analyse data, generate original ideas and present results.
2. Prepare reports, draft patents and papers describing the results of the research, both confidential and for publication.
3. Be self-motivated, apply and use their initiative, aiming to determine suitable ways to tackle challenges and seeking guidance when needed
4. Interact positively and professionally with other collaborators and partners within the College and elsewhere in the University and beyond in industry/commerce/public organisations/hospitals and academia.
5. Contribute to College organisational matters in order to help it run smoothly and to help raise its external research profile.
6. Keep informed of developments in the field in general terms and their wider implication for the discipline area/literature/commercial applications and the knowledge economy.
7. When requested act as a representative or member of committees, using the opportunity to extend their own professional experience.
8. Demonstrate and evidence own professional development, particularly with regard to probation, appraisal, and performance reviews, and participation in training events, in line with the recommendations of the Research Councils’ Joint Skills Statement.
9. Maintain and enhance links with the professional institutions and other related bodies.
continued below in further information...

Essential Criteria
1. A relevant postgraduate qualification
2. Proven expertise in undertaking policy research and analysis
3. Published policy related papers and materials (Sole or joint authorship)
4. Ability to demonstrate a sound understanding of current international drug policy debates and issues
5. A demonstrable ability to conduct research in line with the objectives of the project
6. Evidence of planning skills to contribute to the research project
7. Ability to operate in a self-directed manner, work closely with the Observatory Director and develop good working relationships as appropriate
8. Excellent written communication skills
9. Excellent verbal communication skills with experience and competence in public speaking
10. An enthusiastic, committed and creative approach to professional challenges
11. Demonstrable ability to foster good working relationships with a wide range of individuals
12. High level of keyboard competence with a thorough knowledge of Microsoft Office systems including Word, Excel and Power Point

Desirable Criteria
13. Ability to create and maintain web pages
14. Experience of using new media, including social media
15. Experience of working in/closely with media sector
16. Experience of working in/closely with relevant NGOs/’Think Tanks’
17. Experience of drafting funding applications
18. Experience of working within a HE environment or complex organisation
19. Written and oral communication skills in a second language

Candidates invited for interview will be required to provide a presentation to the panel as part of the selection process. During this they will be assessed on their communication and presentation skills.

We are an equal opportunity employer aiming for diversity in our workforce.

Informal enquiries may be directed to David Bewley-Taylor at d.r.taylor@swansea.ac.uk Tel: 01792 604291

Main duties continued...
10. Participate in and undertake other research or administrative activities appropriate to their experience and skill, and as directed by the Head of the College or such other person delegated to act with their authority.
11. Observe best-practice protocols in maintenance and retention of research records as indicated by HEI and Research Councils records management guidance. This includes ensuring project log-book records are deposited with the University/Principal Investigator on completion of the work.
12. To promote equality and diversity in working practices and to maintain positive working relationships.

Hours: 35 per week or 17.5 per week for part time post

Annual leave: 31 days per annum plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time staff)

The Job Description sets out the duties of this post as at the closing date. It has been graded as RG 7 against the benchmark profile for this grade. This profile is available at: http://www.swan.ac.uk/media/Media,18308,en.pdf. It may be necessary for these duties to be varied from time to time within the grade definition.

The appointment is subject to the General Terms of Appointment for Academic Staff as set out in the attached: http://www.swan.ac.uk/personnel/GeneralInformation/TermsandConditions/AcademicStaffTermsConditions/

The following link provides further information on the benefits of working in Swansea University: http://www.swansea.ac.uk/hr/GeneralInformation/NewProspectiveStaff/.


More Info:
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