[University of Southampton] Senior Research Assistant/Research Fellow

Fixed-term

£27,183 to £29,704 per annum (pro rata if part time)

The Third Sector Research Centre (TSRC) brings together expertise about the third sector to develop a research programme that will lead to improved understanding of the key patterns, processes and impacts of developments in the sector. The Centre will strengthen the evidence base for policy towards the sector, and will act as a resource for the sector itself.  Further information about the Centre is available at www.tsrc.ac.uk

The Centre will systematically review existing research on the sector, and it will also assemble databases on which future researchers can draw. It will conduct a programme of sophisticated social science research encompassing a range of quantitative and qualitative methods.  You will join a group of 7 quantitative researchers, based mainly at Southampton but also involving colleagues at Birmingham University.

In this post you will primarily undertake data management and quantitative analysis relating to specific funded projects run by the centre.  Possible substitution areas include the third sector workforce, volunteering, and analyses of the distribution and resources of third sector organisations.  You will also critically evaluate existing research literature and assist in the preparation of dissemination materials

You will have a postgraduate qualification in sociology, social statistics, social policy, politics, economics, geography, or a relevant numerate discipline and postgraduate training in quantitative social sciences (or a related discipline). You will have good quantitative skills, demonstrable experience of applying a range of relevant statistical techniques in research, and a familiarity with the use and analysis of large data sets.

The post is available now on a fixed term basis for 2 years and will be based in the School of Social Sciences on the main Southampton University campus at Highfield. This is a full time post, but consideration will be given to those wishing to work part time (the length of contract will be extended if a part time appointment is made).

Travel within the UK and abroad to attend meetings and conferences will be required.

If you wish to make informal enquiries about the post, please contact Professor John Mohan via email: jfm1@soton.ac.uk

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 11 January 2010.

The closing date for applications is: 17 December 2009 at 12.00 noon.

For more information on this position or to apply online please visit www.jobs.soton.ac.uk. Alternatively please call 023 80 592750.

Please quote reference number: 4019-09-L in all correspondence.