Research Assistant in Media Diversity - Fixed Term

Please note: This contract is expected to end in July 2026

The Faculty of Arts, Design and Media (ADM) at Birmingham City University is one of the largest providers of creative education in the UK and is home to a growing community of internationally recognised researchers across media and cultural studies, journalism and the creative industries. We currently have an exciting opportunity for a part-time Research Assistant based in the Lenny Henry Centre (LHC) for Media Diversity. The role offers an excellent early-career opportunity for a researcher to join an established group of media professionals and academics who are committed to studying and campaigning for media diversity. Involved in founding the Centre were Sir Lenny Henry, Professor Diane Kemp (the Centre's Director), Marcus Ryder MBE and Marverine Duffy, all leading figures in the efforts to increase diversity and inclusion in the UK media industry. We are particularly interested to hear from applicants who are under-represented in both the media sector and academia.

As a Research Assistant, you will support the Lenny Henry Centre to develop a reputable body of academic and industry research which can make a practical contribution to improving media diversity and representation and raising its public profile.

Through effective team working, you will be expected to:

• Attend meetings with the Centre’s Academic Research Leader and other members of the Centre.
• Contribute to the initial drafting of literature reviews, desk research reports and research funding application documents.
• Assist in research data collection and analysis.
• Contribute to the writing of research and other reports.
• Organise research events, when needed.
• Communicate and work closely with research partners and/or other collaborators of the Centre.

Essential skills:

• A PhD in media and communication studies, journalism, sociology or other relevant discipline.
• Experience in the conduct of literature reviews.
• Experience in the conduct of desk research.
• Experience in the use of one or more research methods for the data collection and analysis.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to tailor personal communication and research style to the needs of the research undertaken in the Centre.

Desirable skills:

• Post-doc research experience in one or more relevant research areas.
• Advanced knowledge of quantitative data collection and analysis methods.
• Ability to use one or more data analysis software.
• Previous experience in research of media industries.
• Familiarity with the EDI agenda in research.
• Previous research experience in the HE Sector.