Active Learning Lab & Infant and Child Development Lab, Lancaster University

Research Assistantship: The Curiosity Battery Project

Onsite placement (limited hybrid work) at Lancaster University.

Full-time or part-time (0.5 FTE) starting in June.

The Curiosity Project aims to measure the multidimensional nature of curiosity in primary school children (7-11-year-olds) and examine its impact on learning and well-being over time.

The project team will support you to develop a stand-alone study, or you can choose to contribute to the ongoing set of studies. You’ll have opportunities to co-author the scientific outputs, such as conference presentation and peer reviewed manuscripts.

engage@liverpool, Methods North West and the NWSSDTP, University of Liverpool

Research Assistantship: Webscraping university training with GenAI

Hybrid placement (one or two days in Liverpool).

Full-time or part-time (0.5 FTE).

As a pilot for other Methods North West and NWSSDTP institutions, this project will focus on what GenAI webscraping recovers in terms of advanced training at the University of Liverpool (UoL).

The project will suit a student from any pathway with advanced data science training, including high level coding skills and an understanding of webscraping, who is interested in and has a working knowledge of GenAI, including prompting and vibe coding, and wants to both develop those skills further as well as extend their industry experience in a sector where new AI tools have already had a great deal of impact.

University of Manchester

Research Assistantship: The Impact of the African Cities Research
Consortium.

Flexible (full-time or part-time). Flexible placement mode (hybrid preferred)

This placement offers NWSSDTP students the chance to contribute to the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC), a major research initiative working to improve urban development outcomes across 12 African cities. ACRC adopts a systems-based, politically informed approach to urban reform, and is now entering its implementation phase in five cities.

The student will support the consortium’s research and policy activities by conducting literature reviews, preparing case studies, synthesising research findings, and developing materials for training and dissemination. There is a particular focus on urban development domains such as housing, safety, infrastructure, and the informal economy, with opportunities to engage in real-world, policy-relevant research.

This placement is ideal for students on the Development and Humanitarianism pathway, especially those interested in the interface between research, policy, and practice, or decolonised, locally led development work.

North West Social Science DTP

Research Assistantship: Developing a Best Practice Guide for Inclusive Research Methods Training

Remote/flexible working. 3 months (full-time or part-time equivalent)

This research assistantship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the development of a best practice guide for inclusive research methods training across the NWSSDTP. The student will undertake desk-based research to synthesise academic and policy literature, conduct informal consultations with experts in inclusive research and pedagogy, and co-produce a comprehensive framework to guide training leads in delivering accessible and equitable training to PGRs. The project aims to enhance the inclusivity, accessibility, and representativeness of research training within the DTP, aligning with UKRI’s wider EDI priorities.

As part of the placement, the student will also develop a curated resource bank and produce a report that introduces the guide and outlines the rationale behind its recommendations. They will be supported throughout by the NWSSDTP Director and core team, with regular collaborative meetings and mentoring. The placement offers an excellent opportunity to apply critical thinking and research skills to a meaningful, institution-wide initiative and contribute to long-term improvements in the training experience for diverse doctoral researchers. It is ideally suited to students with an interest in research methods, pedagogy, and equity in higher education, from any NWSSDTP pathway.