[Nightedge]

-In my project, I am given additional funding to train up one student on doing research. I want to employ a student who is good in French. He will receive some salary on a monthly basis, USD$2500/month (10 months in total). I believe it is a good learning opportunity.

He may need to work 10 to 15 hours per week. Not necessary to appear “physically” at my centre office. Most of the work can be worked at home.

Great if he can assist in conducting interviews, transcription, and proof-reading.

1. Is it correct to say 'train up', 'good in', and 'work can be worked'?

2. Is it correct to say 'conduct transcription, proof-reading, etc.'?

[susan53]

a) train up is fine grammatically, though a bit informal for the context.

b) in is OK in this context - ie talking about a language - but fluent in or competent in would sound better than good in

c) work can be done or carried out - not worked

d) conduct interviews is fine but the verb doesn't collocate well with transcriptions and proof-reading

But there are other problems :

e) on doing is incorrect. it should be to do, or better to carry out


f) He is incorrect. The student will not necessarily be male, so either s/he or they, (understood as having singular neutral reference) should be used.

g) the ellipsis (omission of words) and expressions like great are too informal for this sort of official announcement.

h) It is not clear whether the interviews/transcription and proof-reading are part of the 10-15 hours work (in which case they are essential requirements) or additional and optional extras - in which case they should be paid extra.

I'd rewrite the whole text as :


A trainee research student is required to work on the XXX project. The person appointed will receive a monthly salary of USD$2500 per month for a total of 10 months, and should expect to work for 10-15 hours per week. Applicants should be competent in French. Physical presence in the centre office will not be necessary as the work can be carried out at home.

Additional paid hours are available for assistance in conducting and transcribing interviews, and for proofreading.

or

The work involves assistance in conducting and transcribing interviews, and proofreading.

[Nightedge]

Excellent answer. Thank you.