14802 - Research Assistant in Social Network Analysis


Company:	The University of Edinburgh
Salary:	£34,610 to £39,906 a year, pro rata
Hours:	Part-time
Location:	City of Edinburgh
Working pattern:	Hybrid - 1 day remote
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	10 Sept 2026
Closing date:	24 Sept 2026

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Summary

Grade UE06: £34,610 to £39,906 per annum pro rata

CMVM / Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies / Division of Global Agriculture and Food Systems

Part Time: 17.5 hours per week (2.5 days per week)

Fixed term: for 12 months

The Opportunity:

This role with contribute towards a greater understanding of the networked flow of climate information among pastoralists in Northern Kenya and Ethiopia using social network analysis. The objective of the project is to better understand the users of climate information forecasts and the flow of climate information at the local scale with the intention of better designing climate information technologies. In this role, the research assistant will carry out field-based research in Northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia using social network analysis to identify the networked flow of climate information among pastoralists. Familiarity with mixed methods approach that combine semi-structured interviews, and survey methodologies will be essential and language skills in Kiswahili or Borana are highly desirable. Familiarity with R or Python will also be necessary to organise data from the field and visualise the social network captured in the field. This project is highly collaborative, and the research assistant will work with researchers and partners including the Alliance Biodiversity CIAT and University of Nairobi.

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Make a meaningful impact

Here, you can continue to make a difference in everything around you. Take on new challenges, grow your career, be recognised for your contributions, and benefit from our commitment to your wellbeing. Be part of something bigger — where your work has real impact and your development matters. There are so many reasons to take your next step with us.

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class organisation. We look for the best in the field across all disciplines and provide a working environment where academics can develop their careers and passion for their chosen subject area. We offer the full range of academic roles and have a genuine focus on our students performance and wellbeing.

We are looking for a motivated researcher with experience using mixed methods, including designing online surveys, conducting semi-structured interviews, and organising workshop discussions. Successful candidates will provide a clear outline of their rationale for applying for the role, a concise overview of relevant experience designing research projects, and writing up projects in academic reports and peer reviewed journals. Demonstrated ability to work independently and with researchers from a range of disciplinary backgrounds is also desirable.

“People have always been at the heart of our work. Our people are at the centre of the University community and everything we do. We value colleagues with drive, determination and a passion for what they do. We are a place where everyone is welcome and offer a range of policies and benefits designed to support you in building the right meaningful flexibility that works for you.”

A career with us has a range of other benefits that can be tailored to your lifestyle:

This post is part time (17.5 hours per week); however, we are open to considering flexible working patterns. We are also open to considering requests for hybrid working (on a non-contractual basis) that combines a mix of remote and regular on-campus working.

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