Natural Curriculum Evaluation Research Assistant (4 months fixed term)

Liverpool John Moores University (LJMU) is a distinctive, unique institution, rooted in the Liverpool City Region and with a global presence. Our students and staff, past, present, and future, are the beating heart of our city and can be found in every corner of every industry and community. We couldn’t exist anywhere else and have shaped the city in which we belong. Working with the people of Liverpool to improve lives and support communities is at the heart of why we were founded and why we exist today.

We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Research Assistant to join our interdisciplinary team evaluating the Natural Curriculum programme, a nature-based, inclusive educational initiative co-developed with primary and SEND schools. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to research that supports wellbeing, neurodiversity and cross-curricular learning in school settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the design and implementation of evaluation tools (e.g. surveys, interviews, focus groups).
• Collect and analyse qualitative and quantitative data from participating schools and students.
• Support ethical approval processes and ensure data protection compliance.
• Contribute to literature reviews and background research.
• Help prepare reports, presentations and academic outputs.
• Liaise with school staff, students and project partners to support engagement and data collection.

Essential Criteria

• A degree in Education, Psychology, Social Sciences or a related field.
• Experience with qualitative and quantitative research methods.
• Strong organisational and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to inclusive and ethical research practices.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with schools or children, particularly in SEND contexts.
• Familiarity with nature-based or wellbeing-focused educational programmes.
• Knowledge of data analysis software (e.g. NVivo, SPSS, Excel).

In return, we offer an excellent benefits package including generous annual leave entitlement, pension scheme, induction and development support as well as family-friendly policies.

This is an exciting time to join the university as we deliver the LJMU Strategy 2030 and its vision of LJMU as an inclusive civic university transforming lives and futures, by placing students at the heart of everything we do.

If you feel that this is the role you have been looking for and your skills and experience can make a real difference at LJMU, we look forward to hearing from you.

LJMU is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and communities irrespective of age, transgender status, disability, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity and religion or belief.  All our appointments are made on merit.

Please note all of our vacancies will be closed to applications at midnight on the advertised closing date, unless otherwise stated.

LJMU are committed to adhering to the Principles set out in the Researcher Development Concordat; in line with this all fixed-term researchers will be supported to complete 10 days professional development activities per year (pro-rata).