Data Collection Assistant

**Job Purpose**
The postholder will join a research data collection team supporting researchers based at the MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Unit’s Population Health Research Facility (PHRF). This team specialises in supporting the delivery of population and community-based research projects. The postholder will undertake data collection in Scottish secondary schools as part of the Equally Safe at School (ESAS) Trial. This is a national evaluation of a whole-school approach to tackling sexual harassment and gender-based violence.
The role involves travel to secondary schools across Scotland to help administer an online survey to all students in years 2,4, and 6. Tasks include preparing fieldwork materials, supporting teachers with survey logistics, explaining the purpose of the survey and answering student queries, monitoring classrooms to ensure ‘exam conditions’ for completion, and fieldwork administration. Data collection in schools can be complex and logístically difficult and initiative and good judgment is required. The questionnaire questions are also sensitive. Working in a large study team, and under the supervision of the study Principal Investigator (PI) and Trial Manageryou will be responsible for delivering efficient data collection in secondary schools. You may be asked to support data collection in other settings and projects, as time allows. Training will be provided.
Data collection for the Equally Safe at School (ESAS) project will take place in school term-time between mid October and end of March, with follow up visits at over the next three years. You must be available and willing to work at least 3 days per week during those times and be prepared to travel. A full driving licence is preferred so team can travel to locations. University car hire is available or travel expenses are reimbursed in line with University of Glasgow policies.

**Main Duties and Responsibilities**-2. Provide clear advice on project processes to participants (students and teachers), ensuring they understand what is required of them. Support teachers in managing the logistics of administration and ensure students privacy to complete questionnaires.
3. Work independently or as part of a team, administer web-based questionnaires to students, including support to students who may encounter IT issues or literacy issues.
4. Evaluate situations during fieldwork: using initiative, judgement and experience to assess any risks to participants, resolve issues and escalate to supervisors as per protocols. Assess participants ability to complete surveys, including signs of discomfort, and adapt as necessary (e.g. taking breaks, stopping data collection).
5. Ensure own personal and team safety and ensure that any incidents are recorded in line with project protocols. Adhere to the University health and safety risk assessment training and ensure full use of the Lone Worker Safety system (SafeZone) where appropriate.
6. Prioritise, plan and schedule delegated activities from the ESAS management team to ensure delivery of the project within required standards and timeframes. Ensure that all study protocols and research governance guidelines are adhered to at all times including safeguarding and adverse event protocols.
7. Adhere to defined quality standards and follow data collection protocols. Ensure that information (e.g. data collection reports) are accurately updated. Complete project data collection and monitoring reports, identifying patterns/trends in data collection across sites and/or participant’s activities and support existing standard processes and maximise project continuity.
8. Attend regular meetings and training sessions at the beginning of each research project. When required coach and support peers to ensure consistency and continuation of operations across project sites.
9. Deliver a range of administrative tasks including voucher management, timesheets and expense forms.
10. Undertake any other reasonable duties as required by the ESAS management team, supervisor or line manager.

**Qualifications**

**Essential**:

A1 Scottish Credit and Qualification Framework Level 5 or 6 [National 5 or 6, Scottish Vocational Qualification Level 2 or 3,] or equivalent, and experience of personal development in a similar type of role.

**Knowledge, Skills and Experience**

**Essential**:

C1 Good time management and organisational skills including proactive planning, prioritising tasks and working under pressure to meet deadlines.
C2 Experience of working with children or adults in a research or similar setting.
C3 Excellent verbal and written communication and interpersonal skills, with proven ability to engage with others and explain complex concepts in an easily understandable manner.
C4 Ability to work independently and flexibly within a multidisciplinary team on a range of complex tasks to a high standard and with a high degree of accuracy.
C5 Ability to follow project and standard protocols and Standing Ope