PROFILE OF A RESEARCH ASSIST SHOULD BE;
1. TEACHING AND LEARNING SUPPORT.
i. Assist in the supervision of student projects.
ii. Could be expected to contribute to introductory courses, for example on the use of research methods and equipments.
iii. Transfer knowledge in the form of practical skills, methods and techniques.
2. ABLE TO DO BASIC RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.
i. Undertake basic research for example by preparing, setting up, conducting and recording the outcome of experiments and field work, the development of questionnaires and conducting surveys.
i. Conduct literature and database searches
ii. Continue to update knowledge and develop skills.
3. COMMUNICATION
i. Write up results of own research
ii. Contribute to the production of research reports and publications
iii. Present information on research progress and outcomes to bodies supervising research
iv. Prepare papers for conferences and other bodies e.g. funders
4. LIAISON AND NETWORKING
i. Liaise with research colleagues and support staff on routine matters
ii. Make internal and external contacts to develop knowledge and understanding and form relationships for future collaboration
5. MANAGING PEOPLE
i. Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research.
6. TEAMWORK
i. Actively participate as a member of a research team
ii. Attend and contribute to relevant meetings
7. PASTORAL CARE
i. Show consideration to others
8. INITIATIVE, PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION-MAKING.
i. Make use of standard research techniques and methods
ii. Contribute to the improvement of research techniques and methods
iii. Deal with problems which may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
iv. Contribute to decisions affecting the work of the team
v. Analyze and interpret the results of own research and generate original ideas based on outcomes
9. PLANNING AND MANAGING RESOURCES.
i. Plan own day-to-day research activity within the framework of the agreed programme
ii. Co-ordinate own work with that of others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
iii. Contribute to the planning of research projects
10. SENSORY, PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL DEMANDS.
i. Sensory and physical demands will vary from relatively light to a high level depending on the discipline and the type of work
ii. Carry out tasks that require the learning of certain skills
11. WORK ENVIRONMENT.
i. Be aware of the risks in the work environment
12. EXPERTISE.
i. Possess sufficient breadth and/or depth of specialist knowledge in the discipline and be developing further skills in and knowledge of research methods and techniques.
