The University of Glasgow is inviting applications for a Research Assistant position supporting an important research project focused on how local governments respond to changing political landscapes. The role forms part of the ESRC Impact Acceleration Account-funded project, Navigating Political Change in Local Government, and offers an opportunity for an early-career researcher to work at the intersection of political research, public policy, local government and real-world stakeholder engagement. Based in Glasgow, the successful candidate will work with the Principal Investigator, Dr Fred Paxton, and the project’s partner organisation. The position involves supporting research, coordinating practitioner engagement, contributing to workshops and helping develop and evaluate training materials designed for senior local authority officers. With a salary on Grade 6, ranging from £33,951 to £37,694 per annum pro rata, this is an exciting opportunity for researchers seeking practical experience in policy-relevant research and political change. Research Assistant Opportunity at a Glance Organisation: University of Glasgow Position: Research Assistant Reference Number: 206893 Location: Glasgow, United Kingdom Salary: Grade 6, £33,951–£37,694 per annum pro rata Job Type: Research and Teaching Contract: Fixed-term Working Arrangement: Fractional basis Hours: 155 hours over the duration of the contract Contract End Date: 30 April 2027 Closing Date: 6 September 2026 Application Deadline: 23:45 Supporting Research on Political Change in Local Government The selected Research Assistant will contribute to the project Navigating Political Change in Local Government. The project aims to provide structured, research-informed guidance to support senior local authority officers as they navigate political transitions resulting from recent changes in the composition of local governments. These changes include the election of Reform UK councillors, as well as gains made by the Greens and local independent representatives across multiple authorities during 2025 and 2026. The project draws on comparative research examining populist radical right parties in local government and seeks to translate research insights into practical support for professionals working within local authorities. This creates an important bridge between academic research and real-world public sector practice. The successful candidate will help ensure that research findings, practitioner experiences and feedback are brought together to develop useful resources and training materials. What Will the Research Assistant Do? The Research Assistant will provide research and coordination support across the project’s three main work packages. A key part of the role involves supporting practitioner working groups. This includes helping with scheduling, coordinating online platforms, communicating with participants and assisting the Principal Investigator with preparing for working group sessions. The successful applicant will also produce written summaries identifying key themes, lessons and emerging findings from these discussions. Another responsibility will involve coordinating the circulation of draft training materials to members of the working groups. The Research Assistant will help collect and organise written feedback that can inform revisions to the materials. The role will also involve supporting the design and distribution of participant feedback questionnaires. The successful candidate will collect, analyse and report on responses to help evaluate the effectiveness and relevance of the project’s activities. Support Pilot Workshops and Training Development An important component of the project involves pilot workshops for member councils. The Research Assistant will help coordinate the delivery of these workshops, including preparing supporting materials and facilitator briefing notes. Following the workshops, the successful candidate will produce a short written report summarising participant feedback, key findings and recommendations for improving the training materials. The role will then support the revision and finalisation of the materials. This includes coordinating review processes and liaising with graphic designers regarding production logistics. The Research Assistant will additionally support post-dissemination evaluation activities by administering follow-up surveys and assisting with the analysis of responses. This combination of responsibilities makes the position particularly valuable for someone interested in gaining experience in research coordination, policy engagement, workshop delivery, stakeholder communications and impact evaluation. Contribute to Research Impact Beyond supporting the project’s practical activities, the successful applicant will assist with developing the ESRC Impact Acceleration Account impact case study. This work will be undertaken in collaboration with the Principal Investigator and the College Research Support Office. The role therefore provides an opportunity to understand how academic research can generate impact beyond universities and contribute to professional practice and public policy. For early-career researchers, experience in research impact, stakeholder engagement and knowledge exchange can be particularly valuable when developing a career across academia, government, public policy organisations, think tanks and the wider research sector. Who Should Apply? Applicants should have an SCQF Level 10 Honours degree in a relevant subject or cognate discipline, or an equivalent qualification. Candidates are expected to have specialist theoretical and practical knowledge relevant to the project, including an understanding of UK local government politics and policy and the dynamics of party political change within local authorities. A comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge of the wider subject area or relevant specialism is also required. A postgraduate degree in politics, public policy, public administration or a closely related social science discipline is desirable. This may include applicants who are currently enrolled in or have recently completed a postgraduate programme. Essential Skills and Experience The University is seeking candidates with strong organisational, research and communication abilities. Applicants should demonstrate excellent coordination skills, including the ability to manage schedules, participant communications and event logistics for online and in-person sessions involving senior practitioners. The ability to produce clear and well-structured written outputs is essential. These may include summaries, briefing notes and reports for professional or academic audiences. Strong oral and written communication skills are also required, including the ability to communicate complex data and concepts clearly and concisely. Candidates should additionally demonstrate: Research creativity and the ability to collaborate across disciplines Strong interpersonal and team-working skills Effective workload, time and project management abilities Relevant IT and data analysis skills Self-motivation and the ability to work independently Initiative and independent thinking Strong problem-solving abilities A flexible and pragmatic approach to work Applicants should have sufficient relevant research experience appropriate for an early-career researcher. Experience coordinating events, meetings or research activities is required, alongside experience producing professional or academic written outputs. Candidates should also demonstrate experience in scientific writing and research, an ability to deliver quality outputs efficiently and evidence of an emerging track record of high-quality research publications. Desirable Backgrounds and Experience The University will also welcome applicants with experience in areas such as qualitative or mixed-methods research, including interviews, focus groups and surveys. Experience designing or analysing questionnaire-based surveys may strengthen an application. Additional desirable experience includes stakeholder engagement or professional communications within a research or public sector setting. Knowledge of UK local government structures, politics or policy processes will also be beneficial, as will familiarity with research on populist and radical right parties and political transitions in local government. Why This Opportunity Matters This is more than a traditional research support role. It offers an opportunity to work on a project responding directly to changing political realities and the challenges they create for public institutions. The successful candidate will gain experience connecting academic research with practitioners, supporting senior local authority professionals and contributing to the development of practical resources informed by evidence. The role could be particularly relevant for aspiring researchers and professionals interested in politics, governance, public policy, public administration, local government, research impact and stakeholder engagement. Benefits and Working Environment The University of Glasgow offers an employment package that includes generous terms and conditions, pension benefits, discount packages and a flexible approach to working. Full-time staff are entitled to 41 days of leave, while new staff can also access a free six-month UofG Sport membership. The University emphasises equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from across its communities, including individuals from groups that are under-represented within the University. How to Apply Interested applicants should review the complete job description and person specification before submitting an application. Candidates should ensure that their application clearly demonstrates their knowledge of UK local government and political change, relevant research experience, organisational and coordination skills, writing ability and capacity to engage professionally with senior stakeholders. Applicants should also highlight relevant experience in event coordination, qualitative or mixed-methods research, survey design, data analysis, stakeholder engagement and policy-related research where applicable. The application deadline is 6 September 2026 at 23:45. APPLY HERE: Visit the University of Glasgow’s official jobs portal and search for Research Assistant, Reference 206893 to access the full vacancy and submit an application. 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