Research Associate

The Open University UK; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Postdoctoral Mixed Methods Researcher to join a dedicated team focused on improving Black women's health and wellbeing in the UK. This role offers a unique opportunity to engage in impactful research funded by the Wellcome Trust, including conducting scoping reviews and developing an intersectionality-informed protocol. The successful candidate will collaborate with a diverse group of researchers and contribute to both academic and non-academic outputs. If you are passionate about making a difference and possess the required expertise, this role is perfect for you.

Qualifications

• Expertise in mixed methods research and secondary data analysis.
• Experience in conducting scoping reviews and data management.

Responsibilities

• Conduct scoping reviews and develop databases on Black women's health.
• Plan and manage data collection and analysis for research studies.

Skills

Qualitative and quantitative data analysis

Scoping review

Research and knowledge exchange

Organisational skills

ICT skills

Communication skills

Ability to work independently and in a team

Logistics management

Understanding of Black women's experiences

Education

Post-graduate qualification

Doctoral level qualification (desirable)

Job description

Department: Faculty of Wellbeing, Education & Language Studies

Closing Date: Thursday 1st May

Weekly Working Hours: 30

Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract

Fixed Term Contract: End Date:

Welsh Language: Not Applicable

About the Role

Applications are invited for a Postdoctoral Mixed Methods Researcher to fill a new 24-month post funded by the Wellcome Trust to improve Black women’s health and wellbeing in the UK through the development of an evidence base. The coming months provide a critical opportunity to undertake 1) Scoping review, 2) Development of an intersectionality-informed protocol for an empirical study on Black women’s health and wellbeing undertaking secondary data analysis on existing cohort studies; and 3) Undertaking a feasibility study on establishing a Black Women’s Health and Wellbeing Research Centre in the UK.

The successful applicant will have methodological expertise in conducting scoping reviews, mixed methods research, and expertise in secondary data analysis.

The post-holder will join the Black Women’s Health & Wellbeing Research Group within the Faculty of Wellbeing Education and Language Studies at the Open University led by Dr. Jenny Douglas.

The appointee will be a mixed methods researcher with significant proven expertise in mixed methods. You will have a high level of communication and writing skills appropriate for different audiences and be able to work closely with other team members. You will require a high degree of autonomy and have the ability to work sensitively and develop rapport and trust with research participants from different backgrounds. The post holder will be required to think creatively.

Further information regarding the role can be obtained from Dr. Jenny Douglas ([e-mail]).

Key Responsibilities

Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Facilitate and undertake an in-depth scoping review on Black Women’s health & wellbeing and as part of this develop the database on Black Women’s Health & Wellbeing Organisations with the support of the Black Women’s Health and Wellbeing Research Network.
• Review and contribute towards the synthesis of a range of existing data relevant to the Black Women’s Health & Wellbeing Research Network, including project reports, photographs, and other information shared by members as part of the in-depth scoping review.
• Contribute to the co-design of research instruments and studies, and the logistical planning and management of workshops, fieldwork, data collection, and data management protocols.
• Plan and carry out online interviews with members of the Black Women’s Health & Wellbeing Research Network, and explore other, creative methods of data collection.
• Plan and manage the collation and organisation of research data across multiple study elements, partners, and sources—with guidance from the Principal Investigator and Steering Group members.
• Facilitate and contribute to collaborative analysis by research teams including members from The Open University and partner universities.
• Contribute to and help to produce knowledge-exchange and research-impact activities, including workshops with members and Steering Group Members.
• Contribute to high-quality academic articles and papers for publication.
• Contribute to and help to produce quality non-academic outputs including, for example, knowledge products for national and international donor, policymaker, and practitioner audiences and publications.

Skills and Experience

Essential

• A relevant post-graduate qualification.
• Excellent qualitative and quantitative data analysis skills.
• Proven experience of undertaking a scoping review.
• Evidence of research and/or knowledge exchange that is commensurate to the position.
• Demonstrable understanding of the experience of Black women in the UK.
• Proven ability to work effectively both independently and in a team.
• Proven ability to manage logistics in complex and changing environments.
• Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to collate, organise, and manage complex data sets with a high degree of self-reliance, and experience of coping with and prioritising multiple tasks effectively.
• Ability to work with a range of educational partners across other institutions.
• Confidence in coordinating work with senior academics in partner universities in the United States of America and Canada to help to sustain their involvement in this research.
• Excellent ICT skills.
• A strong commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in professional practice.

Desirable

• A doctoral level qualification in a relevant area of health and social science research or working towards one.
• Experience in research or knowledge-exchange communications, including through publications, presentations, social media, blogs, or other digital platforms.
• Experience in gathering data and/or conducting interviews remotely online.
• Experience of secondary data analysis.

Essential Requirements

As part of the application process, you will be expected to submit your CV and a Supporting Statement (max 1000 words) that demonstrates how you meet the essential/desirable criteria listed above.

Key Information

Interview Date: W/C 19th May 2025

This is a 2-year fixed term contract.

It is anticipated that a hybrid working pattern can be adopted for this role, where the successful candidate can work from home and the office. However, as this role is contractually aligned to our Milton Keynes office it is expected that some attendance in the office will be required on a regular basis and in response to business needs. There will also be a requirement to attend meetings in Milton Keynes for academic community and module team meetings.

We are open to discussions about flexible working, whether it’s a job share, part time, compressed hours or another working arrangement. Please reach out to us to discuss what may work for you and the role.

Early closing date notification

We may close this job advert earlier than the published closing date where a satisfactory number of applications are received. We would therefore encourage early applications.

If you have any queries or questions about the recruitment process, or regarding your application, please contact: [e-mail].