Research Assistant: Poverty Truth Commission

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 Department

The Department of Sociology has an outstanding reputation in research and education. We also hold an Athena SWAN silver award and the Department is committed to promoting equality for all within the workplace and creating a diverse, inclusive and supportive working environment.

The Department's research strategy is built around five themes: Communities and Social Justice, Health and Social Theory, Higher Education and Social Inequality, Violence and Abuse, and Criminal Justice, Social Harms and Inequalities. We were ranked 4th in the UK for research impact in REF 2021.

The Department of Sociology delivers undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in Sociology, Criminology and Social Work. Further, we support the delivery of a faculty research methods programme as part of the collaborative NINE Doctoral Training Partnership and contribute to a cross-faculty Master of Data Science programme. We were ranked 1st for Criminology in the Times Good University Guide 2024.

The Role

We are looking to appoint a part-time Research Assistant on a research project working with those developing a Poverty Truth Commission within County Durham. In particular, this research is exploring what is being learnt by those involved from using the Poverty Truth Commission approach as a model of engagement seeking to tackle poverty in the County Durham context. The Poverty Truth Commission approach involves recruiting participants with lived experience of poverty within a specific local area ('Community Commissioners') who engage in dialogue with decision-makers from wider agencies ('Civic Commissioners') to effect change. Durham Community Action are running this project on behalf of a range of partners, with dedicated staff; the research assistant role is particularly to support the research and learning activity running alongside this project. In particular, it is anticipated that the Research Assistant will focus on conducting the aspects of the research involving the civic commissioners from wider public and voluntary sector organisations.

This post is fixed term for 8 hours per week up to 31/12/26. (Ideally, the successful applicant will take up their post as soon as possible, with the post then running to 31/12/26). The post is fixed term due to the project being time-limited and funding for this research only being available during this period.

There is some flexibility around the exact days and times that any hours can be worked during normal office hours 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday each week, subject to the successful candidate agreeing a regular normal working pattern that fits the needs of the project. In particular, the needs of the project include working hours that facilitate co-ordination with the other researchers (noting the lead researcher in the partner organisation does not work Mondays) and being able to attend the schedule of key Poverty Truth commission events, which at present are scheduled to include monthly meetings 12-3pm on Thursdays in the project area.

The Research Assistant will particularly work with Andrew Orton (as Principal Investigator from Durham University, who will be the immediate supervisor) and the Pioneering Care Partnership research team (who will be leading on research involving community commissioners). The role is funded via ESRC Impact Acceleration Account funding.

Working arrangements: 8 hours per week. The research assistant will be based at Durham University and is expected to be physically present for research fieldwork within County Durham where required, with this Commission's work focused on Ferryhill, Shildon, Bishop Auckland and Newton Aycliffe.

Potential interview date: Friday 2nd May 2025

The Research Assistant's role is expected to include the following responsibilities:

Responsibilities:

• Build good working relationships with participants and wider partners.
• Organising and conducting interviews with civic commissioners and selected wider strategic stakeholders from public and voluntary sector agencies.
• Coding and thematically analysing data from these interviews and any related group sessions. We anticipate this will be conducted using NVIVO.
• Where required, providing occasional support to Pioneering Care Partnership researchers as they conduct qualitative data analysis of transcripts from individual interviews and group discussions involving community commissioners. Co-ordination with these researchers will also be required as the project develops, particularly in comparing and bringing the data analysis from different perspectives together.
• Reviewing relevant literature to set this initiative in a broader academic context, and to support subsequent wider sharing of the findings.
• Writing up summaries of the analysis from the data arising from the civic commissioners and selected wider stakeholders, and co-operating with Pioneering Care Partnership researchers in collectively writing up overall project findings.
• Work with the Principal Investigator, participants and research partners to adapt the research as it develops in line with the collaborative inquiry approach, including being flexible and responsive in adjusting the research design and approach where necessary.

• 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.
• Any other research-related activities that support the completion of this research as the project evolves, in line with the collaborative inquiry ethos of the project

This post is fixed term for a fixed period only, due to time limited funding.

The post-holder is employed to work on research/a research project which will be led by another colleague. Whilst this means that the post-holder will not be carrying out independent research in his/her own right, the expectation is that they will contribute to the advancement of the project, through the development of their own research ideas/adaptation and development of research protocols.

Successful applicants will, ideally, be in post in May 2025.

Working at Durham

A competitive salary is only one part of the many fantastic benefits you will receive if you join the University: you will also receive access to the following fantastic benefits:

- 30 Days annual leave per year in addition to 8 public holidays and 4 customary days per year - a total of 42 days per year.

- The University closes between Christmas and New Year - please include or delete if not applicable.

- We offer a generous pension scheme, As a new member of staff you will be automatically enrolled into the University Superannuation Scheme (USS).

- No matter how you travel to work, we have you covered. We have parking across campus, a cycle to work scheme which helps you to buy a bike and discount with local bus and train companies.

- There is a genuine commitment to developing our colleagues professionally and personally. There is a comprehensive range of development courses, apprenticeships and access to qualifications and routes to ...