Social Science Research Assistants

Marketing & Communications

Level 3342 of 1200 points

Job description

Social Science Research Assistants

Job purpose

To assist social scientists in laboratory, survey and other social science research by preparing and managing research data, performing statistical analysis and contributing to reports, manuscripts and presentations, so that projects progress to their agreed milestones on data of verified accuracy.

Skills

Knowledge of social science research method and applied statistics — descriptive and multivariate analysis using statistical software — with database preparation and management, coding and cleaning, the writing of small programmes for analysis and data entry, quality control procedure, survey instrument design, protocol documentation and informed consent, expressed in written English of publication standard. Bachelor's degree is the norm, with a substantial minority holding a master's, together with several years of related experience and on-the-job training.
Works within a research team, informing the researchers leading the project and colleagues by e-mail, telephone and face-to-face discussion, and explaining what data and results mean to those who use them. Presents findings to groups. Recruits, screens and schedules participants, obtains informed consent from subjects or their guardians, administers standardised tests and conducts research interviews. Supervises survey interviewers and instructs project staff in agreed procedures.
Writes and adapts programmes for statistical analysis, data entry and cleaning; verifies the validity of database entries and corrects errors; and develops and implements quality control procedures. Problems are methodological and technical within a research design set by others, with statistical convention, protocol and precedent available; the finer judgements concern data quality and how results are represented.
Sequences the data side of a project — collection, coding, entry, verification, analysis and write-up — against the reporting and presentation milestones set for it, scheduling participants to fit. Allocates laboratory space and resources where these fall to the role. Determines own tasks and priorities inside objectives agreed with the researchers directing the work.
Work is carried out seated at a computer, with the keyboard accuracy required for extended data entry and coding. No manual handling or dexterity demands.

Responsibilities

No line management. Supervises survey interviewers where a study employs them, coordinates others in completing agreed research activities and instructs colleagues in project procedures. Handles participant consent, screening and follow-up.
No budget responsibility. Tracks laboratory supplies and project expenses, including participant reimbursement, and estimates the time, cost and materials a research activity will need, without authority to commit spend.
Care of a workstation, statistical and database software, and the laboratory space and supplies allocated to the study.
Prepares, manipulates and manages extensive databases and is answerable for the accuracy of what they hold, applying the quality control procedures the role has itself put in place. Produces tables, graphs, fact sheets and written reports summarising results, and edits and submits protocols and other required documentation. Participant data is held under the consent and protocol conditions agreed for the study, whose research design sets the content and structure of the dataset.

Effort required

Detailed analytical and verification work in which being exact matters: multivariate analysis, checking entered data against source, and the repeated procedural cycles quality control requires. Sustained concentration over long stretches of data work sits alongside a substantial volume of contact with the team.
Emotional demand is limited. Requires courtesy and care in dealing with research subjects, and composure when presenting findings to an audience. The recorded work context shows no exposure to conflict, hostility or distress.
Predominantly seated work at a computer throughout the working day. No standing, lifting or exertion is recorded.

Working conditions

Indoor work in an environmentally controlled office and laboratory setting, alongside a work group and with frequent face-to-face and telephone contact. No hazards, contaminants, noise or outdoor working are recorded, and no requirement to work away from base.
Almost all incumbents work a regular established schedule, most commonly a standard working week, with a third working fewer hours and a smaller proportion more. Determines own tasks, priorities and goals with real freedom over how the work is done, within a research design and project timetable owned by others.

Skills

40% · 177 points▾

KnowledgeLevel 4 of 8
72 of 144 points
Factual and theoretical knowledge in broad contexts within a field of work. The job requires a range of thinking and practical knowledge to find solutions to specific problems in the job or study area.
Interpersonal and communication skillsLevel 2 of 5
38 of 96 points
Standard communication and interaction with others. The job holder is required to communicate with colleagues or customers in structured settings. Tact, empathy and basic relationship building are required.
Problem-solving skillsLevel 2 of 5
38 of 96 points
Standard problems. The job involves solving problems with defined alternatives. Some judgement is needed, but help is usually available.
Planning and organisational skillsLevel 2 of 5
29 of 72 points
Basic organisational skills required. The job involves planning and organising one's own work within set deadlines. Some input into scheduling and prioritisation of tasks.
Physical skillsLevel 0 of 5
0 of 72 points
Not applicable. The job does not require any particular physical skills (although there is likely to be some physical activity).

Responsibility

35% · 103 points▾

PeopleLevel 1 of 5
29 of 144 points
Very limited. Not required to supervise or perform a caregiving role. The job may involve providing basic guidance to or orientation for others, such as helping new colleagues settle in.
Goods and equipmentLevel 1 of 5
17 of 84 points
Limited responsibility for goods or equipment. The job involves the care and proper use of low-value tools or materials, with minimal responsibility for their maintenance or security.
InformationLevel 2 of 5
38 of 96 points
Limited responsibility for information. The job requires the individual to gather, process or share information in a controlled way, following guidelines or predefined procedures.
Financial resourcesLevel 1 of 5
19 of 96 points
Very limited responsibility for financial resources. The job involves handling small amounts of cash or processing simple transactions, such as recording expenses or maintaining basic financial records.

Effort

15% · 38 points▾

Mental effortLevel 2 of 5
24 of 60 points
Moderate mental effort. The job involves tasks that require focus, such as analysing straightforward information or performing repetitive tasks that require attention to detail.
Psychosocial and emotional effortLevel 1 of 5
14 of 72 points
Minimal psychosocial and emotional effort. There is little to no need to manage emotional responses. The job involves minimal exposure to emotionally demanding situations.
Physical effortLevel 0 of 5
0 of 48 points
Not applicable. The job does not require any physical effort.

Working Conditions

10% · 24 points▾

Environment (physical, psychological or emotional)Level 1 of 5
17 of 84 points
Minimal exposure to hazards or stress. The job involves little or no exposure to physical hazards (e.g. chemicals, moving equipment, noise) and minimal emotional or psychological risks (e.g. occasional routine tasks with no emotional burden). There is minor exposure to dust, dirt, fumes, noise, waste, poor lighting, etc.
Organisational environmentLevel 1 of 5
7 of 36 points
Minimal organisational demands. The job requires standard working hours with no night shifts or irregular schedules. There is little or no need for travel or digital connectivity beyond typical working hours.