The vacancy is for a Research Assistant on a Fixed Term Contract (part-time) for up to six months (406 hours).

The Project 

The project is funded by the Irish Research Council under its New Foundations Scheme, Strand 1a Enhancing Civil Society. This involves a partnership with the research/DCU and a civil society organisation: this project’s partner is the National Women’s Council. The project, entitled “Beyond words: Female journalists, public interactions and online hostility”, focuses on journalists in Ireland and how they navigate social media, and the extent to which negative interactions impact their work. 

The Role 

This successful research assistant will be working closely with the PI to complete data collection for the study. This will primarily relate to arranging, conducting and transcribing interviews with professional journalists. Additional administrative assistance and planning meetings may also be needed. 

Duties and Responsibilities  

Assist the Principal Investigator (PI) in:

• Arranging and gathering interview data and preparing it for analysis.
• Carry out administrative work as necessary regarding the project’s progression and dissemination.
• Planning work regarding report preparation and launch event.

Qualifications and Experience 

Minimum criteria 

The successful individual will have a primary degree in a related discipline. They will also have experience conducting and transcribing professional interviews in a research and/or journalistic capacity.

In addition to the above it is desirable that the candidate possess a subset of the following skills and experience. 

• Excellent written and oral proficiency in English (essential) 
• Excellent written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills 
• Ability to work to deadlines 
• Familiarity with the contemporary social media landscape
• Familiarity with the contemporary journalism industry, especially in Ireland
• Experience using video-conferencing software

Additional Information 

The role is part-time, paid the DCU hourly rate for research assistance which is €14.78. The work will be for a maximum of 406 hours between March 1st 2022 and August 30^th 2022. The main interview-related work will be conducted between March and May 2022 (330 hours), with some additional administrative work potentially available (if the candidate is available) over the summer 2022 (76 hours) to assist with the project’s dissemination. 

Deadline for applications

Please submit a CV and short cover letter to dawn.wheatley@dcu.ie by 5pm on Wednesday February 16^th 2022.