The Role
The project, titled ‘More than a mission statement: Shaping St Nicks’ strategies through youth participatory research and co-creation’, will explore the role of young people as researchers and stakeholders at the site. It is designed to inform St Nicks’ Equality Statement and mission to ensure that ‘people...are able to fully gain from and contribute to St Nicks’. The role is part-time (7.4 hours per week).
Skills and Experience
1. Experience conducting / contributing to social justice research that engages young people, ideally in field of co-production.
2. Experience working with nature-based interventions and enthusiasm for connecting communities to nature.
3. Abilty to take initiative in progressing research aims, working effectively and thoughtfully within local networks.
4. Working outdoors across seasons will be required. Experience of this is advantageous.
The research assistant will form a key part of the project team and will work closely with both the researchers from YSJ (Education and Ecological Justice) and staff from St Nicks. It is important to the project that the researcher be based at St Nicks / YSJ, so ability to work locally (York), on site is essential. This will include working outdoors across seasons. The project will work with YP to co-design research that informs their local reserve. Therefore, experience working with young people, ideally with those who are vulnerable or otherwise marginalised, is essential. Enhanced DBS check required.
There will also be responsibilities associated with research project management, such as organizing progress meetings, working with partners to create different outputs, and helping with event organization.
Good organization and communication skills are essential. We especially encourage applications from those who may have lived experience related to the project focus.
Additional Information
For candidate queries contact or
It is anticipated that the selection process will include an interview and presentation. Further details will be provided if you are shortlisted for interview.
Unfortunately this role is not eligible for Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship however we welcome your application if you are able to evidence right to work in the UK via an alternative route.
We offer a range of family friendly and inclusive policies and facilities and welcome applications from individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. As part of our commitment to providing an inclusive working environment, consideration is given to all requests for job share or flexible working arrangements.
This vacancy is scheduled to close on the date indicated at the bottom of this advert, but we may close earlier if we receive a high level of applications.
Application process support
We are keen to support you throughout the recruitment process. Before starting your application please refer to the attached candidate application form guidance below which provides advice about completing the application process.
Please note that CVs are not accepted in place of the application form. Within the application process you will be asked to answer a selection of work-related questions. Our aim is to get to know you, and understand your individual skills and experience, and how you would apply these within the role. We are aware that AI can assist you with this, but we would prefer you to share your answers in your own words.
Our benefits package
We offer a wide range of employee benefits including -
- Excellent annual leave entitlement, including five discretionary university closure days over the Christmas period
- Disability leave (applies to staff who have disclosed a disability and is also available to staff with disabled dependants)
- Pension scheme
- Health Cash Plan after six months service
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Paid leave for Armed Forces Reservists
- On-campus courses, one-to-one tutorials, and online resources to help you develop your digital skills and work with new software
- Relocation expenses package for certain roles
- Reimbursement of Skilled Worker Visa application fees and for additional costs (if applicable to the role)
Further information about life at YSJ
Our attached 'further information' document below provides further information about our culture, achievements and testimonials from our employees.
Closing Date - Thursday 28 August 2025 at midnight Provisional Interview Date - Thursday 18 September 2025