Research Assistant-The Liverpool Institute for Research in Education (LIFE)

***ringfenced to LJMU postgraduate students and recent graduates only***

The Liverpool Institute for Research in Education (LIFE) is establishing an International Network for Experimental Teaching, Assessment & Learning (NETAL). This is an emerging global initiative that brings together educators, scholars, and practitioners committed to exploring innovative, experimental, and transformative approaches to higher education teaching and learning. Situated within a vibrant research culture, NETAL aims to cultivate international collaboration, foster creative pedagogical practices, and promote critical engagement with theories, methods, and experiences that challenge conventional educational norms.

As a Research Assistant you will play a key in supporting the establishment and development of the network during its formative phase. Working closely with Dr Craig Hammond (Network Coordinator) you will contact potential members that span institutions across the UK, Europe, and beyond. You will help build the infrastructure, relationships, and communication channels that will enable NETAL to grow into a dynamic and globally recognised community of practice.

Duties and responsibilities

Liaison & Relationship Building

• Act as the first point of contact for new network enquiries and prospective members.

• Promote the aims, activities, and opportunities of NETAL to internal and external audiences.

• Support the establishment of productive working relationships with educators, researchers, and institutional partners across national and international contexts.

Event & Workshop Coordination

• Assist in planning and delivering an initial online network event / seminar / exploratory workshop

• Coordinate logistics, scheduling, invitations, materials preparation, and follow up communications.

Communication & Dissemination

• Draft network announcements, update website, and social media content to support engagement and visibility.

• Contribute to the development and maintenance of the NETAL online presence, including the creation of accessible and engaging written content.

• Support the capture and dissemination of event outputs, including summaries, reflections, and resources.

Stakeholder Mapping & Engagement

• Develop and maintain a directory of educators, researchers, and institutions aligned with NETAL’s focus.

The postholder will be expected to work with the NETAL coordinator and independently, demonstrate initiative, and contribute creative ideas to help shape the emerging identity and collaborative culture of the network.

Skills and experience

Essential

• Demonstrate interest in higher education teaching, learning, and/or pedagogic innovation.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for different audiences.

• Ability to build professional relationships and engage confidently with diverse stakeholders.

• Strong organisational skills, including time management and attention to detail.

• Ability to work independently and proactively in a research or project based environment.

• Experience producing digital content (e.g., newsletters, social media communication).

Desirable

• Familiarity with Microsoft Sway

• Skills in stakeholder mapping, directory/database development, or collaboration platforms.

• Experience in working to support academic contexts.

Location
LJMU/ Home Based