Positions Available: We are hiring for two positions under this role, each with a different start date: Position 1 Start Date: 1st September, 2025 Position 2 Start Date: 1st November, 2025 Working arrangements: 10 hours per week for 25 weeks This is an in-person role based in Durham, requiring physical presence on campus and regular travel to partner schools in the region to support intervention delivery. The part-time hours (10 per week over 25 weeks) offer flexibility while ensuring close collaboration with the research team and schools throughout the project. Closing date: 15 Aug 2025 Potential interview date: 21 Aug 2025 The University At Durham University we are proud of our people. A globally outstanding centre of educational excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other. We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things professionally and personally. Across the University we have a huge variety of roles and career opportunities, which together make us a large and successful community, which is a key hub of activity within our region and nationally. We would be thrilled if you would consider joining our thriving University. Further information about the University can be found here The Role and Department The School of Education at Durham University is a leading centre for educational research and teacher development, with a strong international profile and a commitment to improving outcomes for learners. Ranked among the top UK education departments in REF2021, we foster a vibrant and collaborative research environment, with notable strengths in special educational needs, reading development, and educational psychology. We are recruiting two part-time Research Assistants to support an intervention project focused on adolescents with reading difficulties. Working 10 hours per week over 25 weeks, the successful applicants will work in-person in Durham and travel to local partner schools to deliver a structured reading programme and assess pupils' progress in both reading and mental wellbeing. The role offers valuable experience in applied educational research, data collection in school settings, and working directly with pupils and teachers. Responsibilities: • Travel to partner schools to deliver intervention programme • Work with small groups of secondary school students with reading difficulties in school settings. • Deliver a structured reading and mental wellbeing programme following established protocols. • Conduct regular assessments of pupils' reading and wellbeing progress using standardised tools. • Accurately record and manage pupil data while maintaining a high level of confidentiality. • Travel daily to participating schools across the region (travel expenses reimbursed). • Attend training and ongoing debriefing sessions with the research team. • Liaise professionally with school staff to coordinate session delivery and pupil participation. • Assist in accurate data entry, coding, and preparation of progress reports and documentation. • Contribute to the planning and refinement of research activities based on field experience. • Participate in research meetings and support broader project tasks as needed. Other Responsibilities • To understand and convey information which needs careful explanation to the team or group of people through presentations, discussions and meetings which contribute to the production of research reports and publications. • To write up results of research work, present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research in a clear and accurate manner. • To analyse or undertake basic research by deciding how best to apply existing methodology according to overall context and objectives. • To deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines by discussing with the Principal Investigator or Grant-holder and offering creative or innovative solutions. • • To liaise with research colleagues and make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding to form relationships for future research collaboration. • • To contribute to the planning of research projects. • • To assist in contributing to support student projects on the use of research methods and equipment. • • To contribute to fostering a collegial and respectful working environment which is inclusive and welcoming and where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect. • • To engage in wider citizenship to support the department and wider discipline. • • To engage in continuing professional development by attending relevant training and development courses. This post is fixed term for 6 months. The position is funded by an internally supported research project that is time-limited and scheduled to conclude in April/May 2026. The fixed-term nature of the role reflects the specific funding period and project timeline. The post-holder will be employed to work on a research project led by the Principal Investigator. While they will not be conducting independent research, they will be expected to contribute meaningfully to the project through careful implementation of protocols, feedback from school-based delivery, and involvement in data collection and refinement of research tools. Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post by September 1, 2025 and November 1, 2025. Durham University is committed to equality diversity, inclusion and values Our collective aim is to create an open and inclusive environment where everyone can reach their full potential and we believe our staff should reflect the diversity of the global community in which we work. As a University equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) are a key part of the University's Strategy and a central part of everything we do. We also live by our values and our Staff Code of Conduct. At Durham we actively work towards providing an environment where our staff and students can study, work and live in a community which is supportive and inclusive. It's important to us that all of our colleagues are aligned to both our values and commitment to EDI. We welcome and encourage applications from members of groups who are under-represented in our work force including people with disabilities, women and black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. If you have taken time out of your career, and you feel it relevant, let us know about it in your application. If you are a candidate with a disability, we are committed to ensuring fair treatment throughout the recruitment process. We will make adjustments to support the interview process wherever it is reasonable to do so and, where successful, reasonable adjustments will be made to support people within their role. Contact Information Department contact for academic-related enquiries Dr. Johny Daniel Ph.D. Associate Professor School of Education Durham University Johny.r.daniel@durham.ac.uk Contact information for technical difficulties when submitting your application If you encounter technical difficulties when using the online application form, we prefer you send enquiries by email. Please send your name along with abrief description of the problem you're experiencing toe.recruitment@durham.ac.uk Alternatively, you may call 0191 334 6801 from the UK, or 44 191 334 6801 from outside the UK. This number operates during the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 Monday to Friday, UK time. We will normally respond within one working day (Monday to Friday, excluding UK public holidays). University contact for general queries about the recruitment process e.recruitment@durham.ac.uk How to Apply To progress to the assessment stage, candidates must evidence each of the essential criteria required for the role in the person specification below. It will be at the discretion of the recruiting panel as to whether they will also consider any desirable criteria, but we would urge candidates to provide evidence for all criteria. While some criteria will be considered at the shortlisting stage, other criteria may be considered later in the assessment process, such as questions at interview. Submitting your application We prefer to receive applications online. We will update you about your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to make sure you have not missed any of our updates. What to Submit All applicants are asked to submit: a CV A 500-word cover letter which details your experience, skills, and achievements in working with children in education or non-educational settings. Please clearly state your ability and availability to work in person and travel daily within the Durham area We will notify you on the status of your application at various points throughout the selection process, via automated emails from our e-recruitment system. Please check your spam/junk folder periodically to ensure you receive all emails. Next Steps Short-listed candidates will be invited to the University, either virtually or in-person and will have the opportunity to meet key members of the Department. The assessment for the post will include an in-person interview at Durham University, and we anticipate that the interviews will take place over two days in or around 21 Aug 2025. In the event that you are unable to attend in person on the date offered, it may not be possible to offer you an interview on an alternative date. Given the nature of the role, we are unable to conduct on-line interviews. Please note that in submitting your application Durham University will be processing your data. We would ask you to consider the relevant University Privacy Statement Job Applicants/Potential Job Applicants - Durham University which provides information on the collation, storing and use of data. When appointing to this role the University must ensure that it meets any applicable immigration requirements, including salary thresholds which are applicable to some visas. Person Specification Essential Criteria: A good first degree in Education, Psychology, or related fields. Experience in conducting basic academic research or providing research assistance, including the use of standard research methods. Demonstrable ability to produce concise and well-written reports for a range of stakeholders. Experience in working with children in educational or non-educational settings Demonstrable ability to work cooperatively as part of a team, including participating in research meetings. Ability to manage time effectively and work to strict deadlines. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to liaise with a range of stakeholders. Desirable Criteria: Experience of conducting high quality academic research. Experience in working with students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Experience working with individuals with mental health needs Experience with implementing programmes with individuals with additional needs Ability to contribute to the planning and management of independent research.