Research Assistant in Social Network Data Analysis

Grade UE06: £35,302 - £40,704 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 desk-based research of social network data gathered in Northern Kenya and Southern Ethiopia using social network analysis in R and/or Python. The post-holder will organise and map social network data to identify positions and role, hierarchies and cohesion, and the flow of information to different actors within the networks. This project is highly collaborative, and the research assistant will work with researchers and partners including the Alliance Biodiversity CIAT and University of Nairobi.

Where curiosity becomes impact. 

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.

View the full job description (opens in a new browser tab)

How to apply

Please include the following documents in your application:

- A short CV (2-4 pages)

- Cover letter (1 page) detailing your motivation for applying and experience working in this area

- A supporting statement 

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

• A competitive salary. 
• An exciting, positive, creative, challenging and rewarding place to work. 
• To be part of a diverse and vibrant international community.
• Comprehensive Staff Benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement, a defined benefits pension scheme, a wide range of staff discounts, family-friendly initiatives, and flexible work options. Check out the full list on our staff benefits page (opens in a new tab) and use our reward calculator to discover the value of your pay and benefits. 

Championing equality, diversity, and inclusion

The University of Edinburgh holds a Silver Athena SWAN award in recognition of our commitment to advance gender equality in higher education. We are members of the Race Equality Charter, and we are also a Stonewall Proud Employer, actively promoting LGBTQ+ equality. 

• We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from LGBTQ, disabled and/or from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates.
• We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and particularly encourage applications from women and other under-represented groups in applied mathematics. 

Prior to any employment commencing with the University, you will be required to evidence your right to work in the UK. Further information is available on our right to work webpages (opens new browser tab)

On this occasion the University will not consider applicants requiring sponsorship for this role. International workers will therefore only be able to take up this role if they can demonstrate an alternative right to work in the UK.

Key dates to note

The closing date for applications is 25 November 2026.

Unless stated otherwise the closing time for applications is 11:59pm UK time. If you are applying outside the UK the closing time on our adverts automatically adjusts to your browsers local time zone. 

Interview dates to be confirmed. 

The Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies (https://vet.ed.ac.uk/about/what-we-do) (opens in a new browser tab) is a one-of-a-kind centre of excellence in clinical activity, teaching and research. Our purpose-built campus, set against the Pentland Hills Regional Park, is home to over 800 staff and a thriving student community (https://vet.ed.ac.uk/education) (opens in a new browser tab).  

The School comprises the Roslin Institute, three veterinary hospitals, a pathology unit, innovation centre and a range of research centres and services.

We represent one of the largest concentrations of animal science expertise in Europe, impacting local, regional, national and international communities in terms of economic growth, the provision of clinical services and the advancement of scientific knowledge.

Education
The School is widely accredited, enabling our graduates to practise across the globe. We are ranked among the best vet schools in the UK and internationally, evidencing our leadership in veterinary education, research and clinical practice.

The Roslin Institute collaborates closely in delivering research-led teaching to undergraduate veterinary students, and promoting clinical veterinary research and translation.

The School’s position as part of the College of Medicine & Veterinary Medicine enables the translation of expertise and knowledge into human health and vice-versa. 

Research Impact
In a joint submission to the latest UK Research Excellence Framework exercise, research at the School and Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) ranked number one in the UK for agriculture, food and veterinary sciences by combining ratings for each institution. The research environment was rated 100 per cent world leading or internationally excellent, as was the impact of our research on society.

Community
The School holds Athena SWAN Silver, and the Roslin Institute Gold. The campus is home to a thriving and diverse community of staff and students, with access to facilities including allotments, cycle facilities, fitness trails, restaurants and a gym.