Research Assistant – Video-analysis as a tool to research people with dementia in a gallery space

Location:          University of Nottingham/University of Leicester

Salary:              £15 per hour on a self-employed basis

Hours:               Flexible

Applications are invited for a research assistant to work with Professor Justine Schneider, Professor Tom Dening and Dr Christian Morgner on a pilot project that wants to measure the impact of fine art on people with dementia. This investigation will break new ground in the study of meaning-making in dementia by capturing this through innovative forms of data collection, namely, video-analysis (Heath and Hindmarsh 2002). Video analysis offers a means not only to record, but also to analyse the management or performance of meaning-making (glances, gestures, movements) in a particular social setting, which will enable us to obtain a better understanding of the communicative impact of art on people with dementia and to advance the science of measurement in this field.

This project has been funded by Alzheimer’s Research UK East Midlands, and is in collaboration with the Djanogly Gallery, Nottingham Lakeside Art and the University of Nottingham Fine Art BA. We are given access to the final year students' degree show (June 2016) to conduct a pilot study using video analysis. Participants – people with dementia and their family carers - will be recruited locally from clubs and day centres for people with dementia.

You will be required to manage the details of the data collection; planning and administering the private views and the recording process with support from a student volunteer. Your main task will be to analyse the video material by focusing on the most significant findings, creating a small sample of videos that demonstrate this and taking the lead on interpreting the data.

Candidate requirements:

You must have a relevant degree at Master’s level and experience in using video analysis in a social science tradition (Heath and Hindmarsh, 2002).  Previous experience in working with fine arts or people with dementia would be an advantage.  Candidates should be able to demonstrate experience of working in a team, and also ability to plan and work independently. Excellent communication skills and knowledge of the English language are essential.   This position is available for about six months from 1 March 2016 and has a flexible workload structure. Ideally, you would be based in the Midlands.

Informal enquiries:

Please contact Christian Morgner ([log in to unmask]) or Justine Schneider ([log in to unmask]). Tel: 07843607085

Application process:

The post is open until filled. Application is by CV to Christian Morgner or Justine Schneider (details above)

Thank you and best wishes,