Scottish Graduate School of Social Science

Sgoil Cheumnaichean Saidheans Sòisealta na h-Alba
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Scottish Graduate School of Social Science

Sgoil Cheumnaichean Saidheans Sòisealta na h-Alba

SGSSS Academic Placements

The School of Molecular Biosciences' Professional Services Team, University of Glasgow

Placement host: The School of Molecular Biosciences’ Professional Services Team, University of Glasgow
Full time/part time: 3 months full-time/6 months part-time
In person/remote/hybrid: Hybrid
Start date: January 2026

Project Title

Advancing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Postgraduate Research

Project Details

The School of Molecular Biosciences' Professional Services team provides essential support to academic, research, and postgraduate student communities across the School. The team manages research communications, postgraduate research (PGR) administration, EDI policy implementation, and strategic initiatives aimed at improving engagement and visibility. The team of 7 works closely with over 180 staff and PGR students in the School and contributes to wider College and University initiatives.

The student will support the School's EDI Strategy by analysing undergraduate and postgraduate student intersectional data (where accessible), reviewing diversity and progression trends, and proposing enhancements to inclusivity in student recruitment, retention, and experience. The student will be expected to use quantitative and statistical methods to analyse the data. The project will also consider support strategies for current students. It will involve collaboration with professional services staff, EDI leads, and academic staff, and contribute to developing training or engagement tools.

Work Plan

3 Months (Full-Time)

  • Month 1: Foundation and Scoping
    • Induction and familiarisation with the School’s EDI strategy and relevant University/College policies
    • Review existing UG, PGT, and PGR intersectional data and current EDI initiatives
    • Define research questions and refine scope based on data availability and ethical considerations
    • Meet with key stakeholders (e.g. EDI leads, PGR convenors) to understand context and expectations
  • Month 2: Analysis and Recommendations
    • Conduct statistical analysis of student data (where appropriate and ethical)
    • Identify patterns and barriers affecting underrepresented groups
    • Review national/international examples of inclusive practice
    • Draft recommendations to improve inclusivity in student recruitment, retention, and experience
  • Month 3: Resource Development and Dissemination
    • Develop staff-facing resources (e.g. guidance documents, best practice briefings) in collaboration with the Professional Services team
    • Finalise report and supporting materials
    • Present findings and recommendations to internal audiences (e.g. School Executive, EDI Committee)
    • Submit a brief reflective summary and handover notes to support continued use of the work

6 Months (Part-Time)

  • Months 1–2: Foundation and Scoping
    • Induction and familiarisation with the School’s EDI strategy and relevant University/College policies
    • Review existing UG, PGT, and PGR intersectional data and current EDI initiatives
    • Define research questions and refine scope based on data availability and ethical considerations
    • Meet with key stakeholders (e.g. EDI leads, PGR convenors) to understand context and expectations
  • Months 3–4: Analysis and Recommendations
    • Conduct statistical analysis of student data (where appropriate and ethical)
    • Identify patterns and barriers affecting underrepresented groups
    • Review national/international examples of inclusive practice
    • Draft recommendations to improve inclusivity in student recruitment, retention, and experience
  • Months 5–6: Resource Development and Dissemination
    • Develop staff-facing resources (e.g. guidance documents, best practice briefings) in collaboration with the Professional Services team
    • Finalise report and supporting materials
    • Present findings and recommendations to internal audiences (e.g. School Executive, EDI Committee)
    • Submit a brief reflective summary and handover notes to support continued use of the work

This opportunity offers the following benefits for the student: ​

  • Strategic insight into EDI in Higher Education
  • Real-world application of data-led research
  • Experience influencing institutional policy

Skills Required

Essential: 
  • Strong analytical and research skills
  • Ability to synthesise and present findings
  • Excellent written and verbal communication
Desirable: 
  • Knowledge of EDI in HE
  • Experience with data visualisation
  • Ability to work independently

Eligibility

Academic placements are open to SGSSS funded students whose ESRC funding began after October 2024 only.

Contact for Queries

Libby Hendrie, Libby.hendrie@glasgow.ac.uk

How to Apply

Please submit an application via SGSSS Apply.

The deadline to apply is 17 November 2025 at 4pm. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to interview.

For further information, please consult the Research in Practice Guidance for Students. If this does not answer your questions, please contact SGSSS: team@sgsss.ac.uk.

 

Submit application via SGSSS Apply
Download Placement Information Document
Download the Research in Practice Guidance for Students

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