Research Assistant Evaluating Community-based Climate Action

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

We are seeking a researcher with expertise in social science methods to work on a project evaluating the implementation and impacts of community-based environmental initiatives. You will work under the supervision of Dr Neil Simcock and Dr Kezia Barker as part of the Cool Wirral Thriving Communities project funded by the National Lottery Community Fund.

The position is part time (0.6 FTE, 21 hours per week) and lasts for a duration of 28 months. As part of the role, you will be supported in your longer-term career development, including opportunities to contribute to and lead-author academic publications and other outputs.

Informal enquiries can be made to Dr Neil Simcock at  n.d.simcock@ljmu.ac.uk or Dr Kezia Barker at k.m.barker@ljmu.ac.uk

The project

Cool Wirral Thriving Communities has received £1,578,021.46 from the Climate Action Fund, a long-term commitment from The National Lottery Community Fund to support communities across the UK to act on climate change and involve more people in positive environmental action. Grouping initiatives in four priority areas - food, energy, nature, and wellbeing - the project aims to deliver a range of support, empower disadvantaged residents to lead healthier lives, manage living costs, and strengthen social ties. Wirral Council leads a partnership including a range of community and local non-profit organisations.

As a project partner, LJMU will provide ongoing evaluation across the full range of activities to assess their implementation, outcomes, and wider impacts. The evaluation will enhance academic understanding of the capacity and outcomes of climate action in marginalised communities and will generate new evidence to inform future policy and practice.

You will play a key role in undertaking the project evaluation. Duties will include:

• Conducting questionnaires and analysing these statistically to understand wellbeing, social connection, pro-environmental attitudes and behavioural change
• Gathering and analysing qualitative data using a range of techniques
• Attending community events to undertake participant observations
• Contributing to project reporting, data management, the formulation and submission of academic papers and other outputs (such as conference presentations), and impact activities.

We are seeking a motivated and driven individual with:

• A relevant degree (up to at least undergraduate level), or equivalent, in a relevant social science discipline
• Experience and competency in quantitative social research and associated statistical analysis
• Knowledge of qualitative data collection and qualitative analysis
• Experience in a research-oriented environment
• Strong communication (oral and written) and organisational skills
• Interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in a team

A good foundational knowledge of socio-economic inequalities, wellbeing, and/or pro-environmental behaviours would be advantageous, as would experience writing research publications and reports.

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction and development support as well as family-friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do.

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.

LJMU are committed to adhering to the Principles set out in the Researcher Development Concordat; in line with this all fixed-term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (pro-rata).