Job Title: Research Assistant – Community Studies
Hours: Casual Worker Agreement. Approximately 370 hours over the period 15 September 2026 to 31 March 2028. Working hours are flexible and will vary according to project requirements, including occasional evenings and travel within Suffolk.
Salary: Band 4 (£17.10 per hour, plus holiday pay in accordance with University policy).
About the Post
We are seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Research Assistant to join an expanding programme of externally funded community-based research at the University of Suffolk.
Working alongside experienced academic researchers, you will contribute to two exciting applied social research projects that examine community needs, experiences and opportunities across Suffolk. One project forms part of the independent Sizewell C Community Longitudinal Study, monitoring how communities experience the construction of one of the UK's largest infrastructure projects. The second supports Suffolk Community Foundation in developing an evidence-informed understanding of community needs, gaps and opportunities to inform strategic grant-making and community investment.
This is a varied role combining academic research with community engagement. You will work across all stages of the research process, including stakeholder liaison, participant recruitment, fieldwork, organisation of research activities, qualitative data analysis, report writing and dissemination. The role also offers opportunities to contribute to the development of future research proposals and externally funded research projects.
Although based at the University of Suffolk, this is not primarily a desk-based role. Much of the work involves engaging directly with communities, community organisations, local authorities, schools and other stakeholders across Suffolk. We are therefore looking for someone who enjoys working with people, is confident operating independently in community settings, and is committed to producing high-quality applied research that informs policy and practice.
The role offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher, doctoral student or graduate with relevant experience to develop practical expertise in qualitative and mixed-methods research while contributing to projects with direct impact on communities across Suffolk.
The role will involve:
- organising and undertaking interviews, focus groups, workshops and other community engagement activities;
- building and maintaining relationships with community organisations, schools, local authorities and other stakeholders;
- supporting research design, literature reviews, participant recruitment and the organisation of fieldwork;
- contributing to qualitative data analysis, interpretation of findings, report writing and dissemination activities;
- supporting the development of future community research projects and funding applications.
About the Team
You will join a small and supportive research team within the University of Suffolk delivering externally funded applied social research with direct impact on local communities. The team is led by Professor Cristian Dogaru (Principal Investigator) and Laura Polley (Co-Investigator), who have extensive experience of community-based research, mixed-methods research, stakeholder engagement and applied social research. Laura's research includes action research with communities and she is currently Co-Investigator on the Sizewell C Community Longitudinal Study.
Our research is collaborative, community-focused and interdisciplinary. We work closely with local authorities, community organisations, schools, voluntary sector partners and other stakeholders to develop evidence that informs policy, practice and community investment across Suffolk.
As a Research Assistant, you will work closely with the Principal Investigator and Co-Investigator while having the opportunity to develop your own research skills, take responsibility for elements of project delivery and contribute to future research development.
About You
You are an organised and motivated researcher with an interest in applied social research and community engagement. You enjoy working with people, building relationships and understanding the experiences of communities through high-quality research.
You will have experience of qualitative research methods, such as interviews, focus groups or community-based fieldwork, and be confident communicating with people from a wide range of backgrounds, including community organisations, local authorities, schools and, where appropriate, children and young people. You will be comfortable working independently in community settings while contributing effectively as part of a collaborative research team.
You will have strong organisational and communication skills, enabling you to coordinate research activities, manage competing priorities and produce high-quality written work. An interest in developing your research skills and contributing to future research projects and funding applications would be an advantage.
This role would particularly suit an early-career researcher, doctoral student or graduate with relevant experience who is looking to develop a career in community-based applied social research.
Closing Date
31st August 2026
More information
For an informal discussion about the role, please contact: Dr Cristian Dogaru, [email protected]
Please note:
We recommend that you apply as soon as possible, even if the closing date is in the future.
Applications received may be reviewed before the closing date and should we receive a high number of applications for this post, or high-quality applications which demonstrate suitability, we reserve the right to close the vacancy early. We may hold interviews as and when applications are received, and we reserve the right to offer to a candidate prior to the closing date.
We are a values driven organisation, committed to ensuring we remain a beacon for aspiration and achievement, while providing a great environment to work and study. We are committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community and we encourage applications from under-represented groups.
