Support to systematic review and evidence map publication for the Evidence-Based Social Science Research Centre of Lanzhou University
Job Description for Junior Research Fellow
The Evidence-Based Social Science Research Centre of Lanzhou University, a member of the Campbell China Network, is committed to producing policy-relevant evidence synthesis across policy areas investigated by social science research such as social work, crime justification and education. Centre staff mostly have a public health or epidemiological background, and so are familiar with systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials.
A one year appointment of a Junior Research Fellow is being made to assist the Centre in its understanding of different study designs used in social sciences, the systematic review of such studies as well as language editing papers for publication and supporting improved English language skills of Lanzhou researchers. The position is ideally suited to a candidate with a recently completed PhD.
Duties and responsibilities
The expected tasks are as follows:
- Present lectures to staff and students on (1) the range of research questions addressed in social sciences and methods used to answer those questions, (2) impact evaluation designs used in the social sciences, e.g. propensity score matching and regression discontinuity, (3) variations in RCT designs such as encouragement designs and pipeline randomization, (4) writing for social science journals. These are suggested topics. Other topics will be determined according to the needs of the specific projects. The format can use discussion groups as well as lectures.
- Work with study teams to help develop protocols for evidence synthesis studies by taking part in group discussions and meeting with individual teams and researchers as needed. The Fellow will be a named author of those publications to which he or she makes sufficient contribution.
- Assistance to journal publication, including identification of target journals and language editing of final papers. Many reviews and maps will be targeted for publication by the Campbell Collaboration, but may also be published elsewhere. Language editing should be done in a way so as to encourage experiential learning by the Lanzhou researchers.
Requirements and qualifications
The successful candidate is expected to have:
- A Master’s in a relevant discipline and preferably completed, or near completed, PhD
- Experience in social science systematic reviews, and familiarity with a range of research designs
- fluency in English (it is expected that the successful candidate will be a native English-speaker)
Working knowledge of Mandarin would be a great advantage.
Compensation
The Junior Research Fellow will receive:
- One economy class return ticket from home station to Lanzhou
- Accommodation in Lanzhou
- An annual stipend of RMB 180,000
Application procedure
To apply please send the following to Dr Xiuxia Li. Please include:
- your CV
- a cover letter stating why you are interested in the position
- a writing sample of one paper or chapter
This vacancy will remain open for applications until the position is filled. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interview.