An exciting Research Assistant (RA) position is available in a research study that seeks to investigate ‘Emirati children’s experiences of parental divorce in the emirate of Abu Dhabi’. The study is based at the Department of Social Wellbeing at the United Arab Emirates University. The candidate will closely work with the Principal Investigator of the study Dr. Vinnarasan Aruldoss to contribute to the literature review, recruitment of study participants, and data collection. A total of 25-30 children aged 8-18 years from diverse socio-economic, and demographic background within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi will be recruited in the study. The research recruitment and data collection will take place from September 2024 to March 2025 (tentatively). You will also be involved in data analysis, writing, and dissemination at the later stage of the research. This will be an exciting opportunity for the candidate to learn and develop research skills, while generating the much-needed empirical evidence on children’s experiences of parental divorce and their overall wellbeing. The study is funded by the UAE University under the start-up grant for two years (2024-2025). The successful candidate is expected to join the study at the earliest (latest by August 2024), and the contract will run until December 2025. Independent travel and flexibility of work time are required for data collection. Data collection may take place either at home or in the educational institution depending on the availability of the study participants. Similarly, data collection may take place either during the school hours or at home in the evenings and weekends. Therefore, the candidate must have the flexibility to work in the evenings or weekends during the time of data collection (for up to 6 months).

A Master’s Degree in Social Work, Sociology, or cognate discipline

Candidates with prior experience in qualitative research and/or working with children/families will be preferred. The role will involve conducting qualitative interviews with children in the family or institutional setting in Arabic. Therefore, fluency in Arabic is the must.

o Evidence of appropriate level of education and social science research experience, preferably in qualitative research. o Experience of working and/or researching with children/family or the willingness to learn. o Knowledge of the field of divorce or child wellbeing will be an added advantage. o Ability to develop and maintain a good working relationship with children, families, and other stakeholders at the time of data collection. o Familiarity with the local culture. The interviews will be mostly conducted in the family setting, so the candidate should be familiar with the local cultural values, traditions and customs. o Willingness to travel within the emirate of Abu Dhabi for data collection. The candidate should ideally have a vehicle to carry out the research visits. The travel expenses will be reimbursed. o Knowledge of Arabic is a must. Interviews will be conducted in Arabic with the Emirati population, so the candidate should be competent in Arabic. o Willingness to work flexibly in the research environment and the ability to work independently for data collection. o Excellent communication and IT skills

The shortlisted candidate will be invited for an interview in June/July 2024

15/06/2024