CASUAL ACADEMIC - Research Assistant/Associate

The University 

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The Research Assistant (RA) will be working on the following project:

The Research Assistant (RA) will be working on the following project: Building Infrastructure for Cross-Cultural Analyses of Individual-Level Cooperative Behaviours: A Reproducible Extraction Protocol and Pilot Database. The project is led by Dr Friederike Hillemann and the project summary is below:

The RA will help the project lead by conducting a structured pilot inventory of approximately 10–15 ethnographic studies reporting individual- or household-level subsistence data. They will develop a reproducible protocol for extracting data (sampling design, variables, their measurement units, aggregation levels, and units of analysis) alongside associated metadata and notes on missing information or ambiguities.

This project explicitly records heterogeneity across studies, i.e. we will make gaps, incompatibilities, or required unit conversions transparent and tractable. This avoids prematurely harmonising datasets and is an important step before data integration.

Pilot database will identify datasets that could feasibly contribute high-resolution data and inform a targeted questionnaire to request additional data. The main outputs are (1) a pilot database mapping reported variables and metadata across studies, and (2) a reusable methods guidance for data harmonisation.

Role

Responsibilities

Research Assistant/Associate Casual Grade 6

Under instruction and following appropriate training: Undertake research as appropriate to the field of study including conducting literature reviews, collecting and analysing data Maintain accurate records of interviews, safeguarding the confidentiality of subjects, as necessary Provide ready access to all experimental data for the faculty researcher and/or supervisor Prepare other articles, reports, and presentations Manage and respond to project related email. Attend project meetings, seminars and other meetings as necessary

To apply for the role please complete the online application process, uploading a copy of your CV and covering letter.

Interviews are expected to be held week commencing 16th November 2026.