Researcher Development Specialist (Writing and Communication)

Job Purpose 

To support University of Glasgow researchers to become effective, independent academic writers, through leading the design and delivery of a framework of high-quality and relevant initiatives and provision for postgraduate researchers (PGRs), research staff and their supervisors and PIs.

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

1. To take a lead on planning, developing, delivering, quality assuring and enhancing a framework of learning and development activities that support and enhance PGR and Research Staff academic writing, in line with the strategic priorities and drivers of the Research Culture and Researcher Development Portfolio.

2. To collaborate across the Research Culture and Researcher Development portfolio to embed writing provision across delivery frameworks, and across portfolio communications.

3. To balance the framework of different writing development modalities so that provision meets researcher need. This includes but is not restricted to workshops, one-to-one appointments, digital resources, and writing festivals (such as WriteFest).

4. To take a lead on University and inter-University peer-to-peer learning and researcher-led groups that support academic writing, through for example writing retreats or the Thesis Mentoring programme.

5. To line manage at least one Researcher Development PGR intern to deliver strategic projects related to doctoral researcher writing.

6. To co-deliver the PGR Supervisor and Research PI frameworks, collaborating across Research Culture and Researcher Development colleagues to share responsibility for initiatives that support research leaders in their communications with researchers.

7.  To work with other University-wide, College and School services to ensure a joined-up service for researchers which supports their writing, sitting on relevant committees, working groups and project teams related to enhancing consistent high-quality researcher writing support across the University.

8.  To keep abreast of the changing landscape of academic writing and publication, including developing strong personal internal and external networks in order to share intelligence and good practice from across the higher education sector, and where relevant, more broadly. Proactively provide targeted intelligence as a credible advisor to underpin effective action on writing initiatives that contribute to the University’s research strategy.

9.  To be an effective team player who is cooperative, communicative and gains the trust and support of colleagues and partners through respectful collaboration and building consensus.

10. To ensure that the Research Services mission is shared, understood, and supported through consistent collation/storage of relevant data and supporting information and the regular updating of Research Services project status reports and portfolio web pages.

11. Work in collaboration with the Research Services senior leadership team to progress the development of an efficient and responsive service within the framework of the University’s mission and strategies, processes, procedures, and systems. Contribute to team meetings, planning, joint initiatives and projects, and ongoing development of the team by sharing information in a timely manner and providing transparency in decision making.

12. Proactively identify, undertake, and share opportunities for ongoing professional development, both for yourself and for colleagues the wider Research Culture and Researcher Development portfolio.

13. Perform other duties as requested, consistent with the grade level of the position and agreeing appropriate prioritisation of work with line management or other relevant stakeholders as needed.

Knowledge, Qualifications, Skills and Experience 

Knowledge/ Qualifications 

Essential: 

A1 PhD.

A2 Authoritative and up-to-date understanding of academic and broader writing support within Higher Education.

A3 Detailed and up-to-date understanding of academic publishing routes, thesis expectations, and research funding application processes, including how these vary by disciplinary context, including both STEM and SHAPE research areas.

A4 Detailed and up-to-date understanding of issues relating to digital literacy and research integrity as it relates to academic writing.

A5 Nuanced understanding of the wider wellbeing and emotional issues connected to doctoral stress and how these impact on PGR writing.

A6 Robust familiarity with theories on academic literacies, adult learning, and instructional design, including the role of technology in supporting pedagogically-sound training and development.

Desirable: 

B1 Working knowledge of University of Glasgow structures, policies, IT systems, practices and procedures that relate to support for researchers.

Skills 

Essential: 

C1 Excellent communication and influencing skills, both written and oral.

C2 Excellent IT and relevant software skills and the ability to use them effectively in support of work activities.

C3 Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish effective relationships with PGRs, research staff, academics, professional services staff and services both inside and outside the University.

C4 The organisational, planning and administrative ability to handle a range of projects and activities simultaneously, timeously, and effectively, which have multiple conflicting deadlines and involve coordination across organisational units.

C5 Ability to deal professionally, sensitively and tactfully with researchers, including in emotionally demanding conversations, and to work in an ethical manner and in accordance with all relevant legislation.

C6 Ability to design and deliver high-quality, creative, pedagogically robust and engaging learning opportunities to support the development of academic writing skills.

C7 Ability to work collaboratively and responsibly as a member of various teams.

C8 Self-motivation and the ability to work independently with minimum supervision.

C9 Influencing skills when working with others to implement service improvements.

Desirable: 

D1 Web-editing and social media curation skills.

Experience 

Essential: 

E1 Significant experience of teaching and/or supporting academic writing in the Higher Education sector with evidence of professional progression and development.

E2 Experience of developing, delivering, and evaluating workshops, conducting one-to-one appointments, and creating online learning resources specifically in the area of research writing support for different disciplinary contexts, including both STEM and SHAPE.

E3 Experience of using current literature and strategic and policy drivers to inform professional practice.

E4 Experience of delivering large-scale events and/or longitudinal programmes of development.

E5 Experience of the design and delivery of communication strategies to increase awareness of initiatives, events, or developments.

Desirable: 

F1 Experience of academic publishing.

F2. Experience of successfully overseeing the work of staff.

F3 Experience of managing data and producing reports (e.g. to funders and management).

Terms and Conditions 

Salary will be Grade 7, £39,347 – £44,263 per annum.

This post is full time (35 hours p/w) and open ended.

Relocation assistance will be provided where appropriate.

As part of Team UofG you will be a member of a world changing, inclusive community, which values ambition, excellence, integrity and curiosity.

As a valued member of our team, you can expect:

1 A warm welcoming and engaging organisational culture, where your talents are developed and nurtured, and success is celebrated and shared.

2 An excellent employment package with generous terms and conditions including 41 days of leave for full time staff, pension – pensions handbook https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/payandpensions/pensions/, benefits and discount packages.

3 A flexible approach to working.

4 A commitment to support your health and wellbeing, including a free 6-month UofG Sport membership for all new staff joining the University  https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/staff/healthwellbeing/.

We believe that we can only reach our full potential through the talents of all. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our values. Applications are particularly welcome from across our communities and in particular people from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) community, and other protected characteristics who are under-represented within the University. Read more on how the University promotes and embeds all aspects of equality and diversity within our community https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/.

We endorse the principles of Athena Swan https://www.gla.ac.uk/myglasgow/humanresources/equalitydiversity/athenaswan/ and hold bronze, silver and gold awards across the University.

We are investing in our organisation, and we will invest in you too. Please visit our website https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/jobs/ for more information.