Research Analyst

Diversity in Antarctic Science Initiative.  Cambridge

Salary: Starting from £30,782 per annum

Benefits: We offer generous benefits

Location: Cambridge

Closing date: 1st September 2019

Contract type: Fixed Term Appointment (18 months) 

Description

British Antarctic Survey (BAS) is seeking an enthusiastic, detail-oriented research analyst to develop a Diversity in Antarctic Science Initiative. This 18 months post is funded by the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office to mark the 200th anniversary of the discovery, in 1819, of the British Antarctic Territory and, in 1820, of the Antarctic continent.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape and develop an initiative that will enhance Antarctic science opportunities for under-represented groups. A key focus is to develop an effective strategy to attract and retain talent from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities, which are currently under-represented across polar science.

Reporting to the Director of Innovation and Impact, the successful candidate will work with colleagues from BAS Communications, HR and the Diversity Champions to deliver a workshop and create an awareness campaign. Outcomes from these will inform future strategies for the recruitment and retention of talent from under-represented groups.

Purpose

This initiative aims to enhance BAS Diversity and Inclusion portfolio. Key objectives are to:

• Enhance the participation of under-represented groups in Antarctic science/science into policy

• Add value to BAS existing Equality & Diversity initiatives (Disability Confidence Scheme, Athena Swan etc)

• Scope out options to establish a co-funded programme that meets the UK Government and UKRI ambitions for enhancing equality and diversity in STEM.

Qualification

You must have a post-graduate qualification, or equivalent relevant experience, in a science/social science discipline.

Duties

The successful candidate will conduct a desk study to determine how diversity within the UK Antarctic Science community compares with the UK national picture; and to look to other international Antarctic operators/funders to learn from best practice.

You will conduct an analysis of BAS Diversity and Inclusion activities for the following groups:

• BAME - black, Asian and minority ethnic people

• Early career researchers

• Women in scientific disciplines where they are under-represented

• LGBTQ+ (lesbian, gay, bi- and trans-sexual, questioning and other sexual identities)

• Any other key groups that the science community would benefit from in diversity terms. Note: educational initiatives for schoolchildren are covered by other formal learning projects (funded by FCO).

You will lead on the establishment of a new Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group and deliver a workshop to identify how the UK polar science community and BAS can best attract and support better diversity and inclusion in the future.

Activities over the 18 months appointment are likely to include:

• Gather and analyse existing BAS Diversity and Inclusion data and information to identify areas for improvement

• Research UK and International trends and patterns for recruitment and retention of under-represented communities

• Identify and understand problems through forecasting, gap analysis, quantitative reporting, research, and statistical analysis

• Produce detailed reports and deliver presentations to discuss findings and identify possible solutions.

• Recommend adjustments to recruitment processes, policies, and protocols, as appropriate

• Write reports, white papers, and other published documents

• Arrange meetings with internal and external stakeholders to discuss aims, objectives and processes

• Develop and launch surveys

• Organise and conduct focus groups

• Develop a set of research procedure to ensure that all data gathered are accessible for future research projects

Skills specification

Skills are listed as either Essential or Desirable. Desirable skills importance rating in parenthesis (1 is high, 5 is low)

Communication skills - a) oral skills b) written skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills with technical writing skills a must - Essential

Computer / IT skills

• Proven ability to manipulate large, complex data sets using a variety of software applications (Excel, Microsoft Office Suite), including the use of relational databases - Essential

Interpersonal skills

• High emotional intelligence, ability to build rapport and maintain relationships of trust and openness with multiple stakeholders. - Essential

Numerical ability

• Able to perform statistical analysis - Essential

Skills / Experience

• Previous experience in an applied research or data management environment, preferably in in IT, economics, business/systems analysis, quality assurance, or relevant fields. - Essential

• Skilled knowledge in generating process documentation - Essential

• Able to multitask, prioritize, and manage time efficiently - Essential

On-line application forms and further information are available on our website at www.bas.ac.uk/vacancies.

These are also available from the Human Resources Section, British Antarctic Survey, High Cross, Madingley Road, Cambridge, CB3 0ET. Tel: (01223) 221508.

Please quote reference: BAS 86/19

Closing date for receipt of application forms is: 1st September 2019

Interviews are scheduled to be held: in September

BAS is an Equal Opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and promoting equality in careers in science, we hold an Athena SWAN Bronze Award and have an active Equality, Diversity and Inclusion programme of activity. We welcome applications from all sections of the community. People from the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) groups are currently under-represented and their applications are particularly welcome. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job. We are open to a range of flexible working options, including job sharing, to support childcare and other caring responsibilities.