Research Assistant

Job Title: / Research Assistant / Reporting to: / Research Manager
Department: / Projects Team / Direct Reports: / None
Key Contacts: / Research Manager, Strategy Heads, UKCES / Location: / Warrington
Date Created: / December 2014 / Date Revised: / November 2015

Job Purpose

To support the Research Manager in the collection, analysis and publication of labour market intelligence (LMI) and skills research for the Science Industry Partnership (SIP) and Cogent Senior Management Team.

Key Accountabilities

  • Under the direction of the Research Manager, to undertake both primary and secondary research tasks including: analysis of public datasets, literature reviews, intermediate spreadsheet modeling, conducting online surveys and supporting qualitative research with employers, education & training providers and stakeholder groups
  • To assist the Research Manager with annualupdates to the SIP skills strategy
  • Assisting in the development and maintenance of sector and local area specific labour market and skills intelligence to support bid writing and other projects
  • Ad hoc support to the Cogent projects team
  • To provide administrative support to the Research Manager
  • To contribute to the wider projects team objectives

Key Performance Indicators

  • The completion of tasks to standards and timelines as agreed with the Research Manager

Knowledge Skills and Qualifications

  • A first degree in a business or science related discipline
  • An awareness of a range of different primary and secondary research techniques
  • An interest in developing primary and secondary research skills and making practical, evidence based recommendations
  • Good numeracy and understanding of statistics and data manipulation and presentationto produce reports
  • Intermediate Excel skills and knowledge of (or willingness to learn) SPSS or other statistical software and online survey design software
  • Excellent interpersonal skills at all levels
  • Effective written and spoken communication skills for sharing research outcomes
  • Ability to work autonomously using own initiative and as part of a team
  • Planning and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Remuneration/Benefits

  • Salary approximately £23,000 dependent on experience
  • Pension
  • Life Assurance
  • 28 days holiday plus 8 bank holidays
  • Health Care

To apply please submit a CV and a letter of application to by 4th December 2015 outlining your suitability for this post and how you would ensure success.