Research Assistant

The School of Health and Society - a forward-thinking, dynamic school with a commitment to lifelong learning and real-world impact. Our School of Health & Society is one of the largest providers of nursing, midwifery, social work and allied health professional education programmes in the UK, known for our track record of collaborating with a wide range of industry partners across health and social care to produce highly skilled graduates with real work experience. The School of Health and Society provides education at undergraduate, postgraduate and post-qualifying levels.

Research Assistant in Audience Research/Game Studies

We are seeking a motivated and capable Research Assistant to contribute to the set-up, research fieldwork, data collection, analysis and report writing for our GameHearts project. Skills in qualitative research methods will be required as will the personal qualities of dedication, accuracy, and flexibility. You will be required to contribute to the smooth running of the project, undertaking reasonable duties as required by the principal and co-investigators managing the project.

The main aim of the project is to explore the value of the European (mainland and UK) videogame industry ecosystem within the wider context of the creative and cultural industries. This will consider the importance of the European videogame industry in contributing to economic growth, job creation, physical and mental well-being, and social and cultural cohesion, by particularly focusing on, how a stronger and closer working relationship between more the traditional and emergent cultural sectors, could work better to create more inclusive, and socially responsible, cultural experiences.

Knowledge of current debates and practice in one or more of the following areas is desirable: media policy; game design and industries; game studies; audience research; cultural sociology/studies.

The project lead and principal investigator at Salford will be Garry Crawford. The co-investigators at Salford are Victoria Gosling, Gaynor Bagnall, Maria Stukoff, and Seamus Simpson.

The project is funded by Horizon Europe and the UKRI to a total of €4m.

The post will be based in the Directorate of Social Policy, Sociology, and Criminology in the School of Health and Society at the University of Salford.

These are Full Time, Fixed Appointments until December 2026. Interviews will take place w/c 26th February 2024.

What’s in it for you?

Competitive salary - and excellent pension scheme

Generous annual leave - plus the option to buy additional holiday days

Flexible working - we support a culture of both flexible and agile working, to help you find the right balance (Subject to Business Requirements)

Professional development - a comprehensive package of training and development opportunities to help you achieve your full potential

Our community – there’s a real sense of belonging here at Salford. We value diversity — in backgrounds and in experiences. Our difference makes us stronger, and together we share a passion for improving students’ lives

The perks! MySalford, our online employee portal, offers a wide range of lifestyle benefits and discounts

Wellbeingsupport –dedicated services and facilities to support your mental and physical health, ranging from an Employee Assistance Programme and counselling to sports and fitness facilities, including discounted gym memberships

Sustainable Salford - We embed sustainability in all aspects of university life and have a commitment to becoming NetZero Carbon by 2038

Greater Manchester - Live and work in one of the most vibrant regions in the UK, a hot spot of digital innovation, excellent schools and colleges, and with affordable city, suburban and rural living options to suit a wide range of lifestyle choices. Our Peel Park campus is unique and offers lots of green spaces. Our MediaCity campus is at the heart of one of the country's leading digital and media hubs

Team Salford - By joining us, you can be part of our ambitious journey and help make a real difference to the people and communities we support

However you identify, whatever your journey has been to get here, come and join us at the University of Salford where we are all proud to belong! watch us in action here!

At the University of Salford, you’ll join a place to be inspired, connect, and thrive.