Research Associate - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 106834 - Grade 6

University of Birmingham; Park Central; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK university is seeking a Research Associate to support qualitative research initiatives. The role involves collecting and analyzing qualitative data, assisting with research tools, and preparing publications. Successful candidates will have a degree in a related field and practical experience in qualitative research methods. This position offers an inclusive work environment and is aimed at enhancing research on health and maternity services.

Qualifications

• Practical experience in qualitative research methods.
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively.
• Experience working with vulnerable groups is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Collect qualitative data using various methods.
• Contribute to thematic analysis under supervision.
• Assist with development of research tools and ethics documentation.

Skills

Qualitative research skills

Interviewing

Focus groups

Data handling

Education

Degree in social sciences, criminology, sociology, or related field

Job description

Overview

To assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for projects and research groups. This post will sit within the Department of Applied Health Sciences and will support the delivery of the NIHR Research Professorship awarded to Professor Joht Singh Chandan: NIHR Research Professorship (NIHR306365) https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR306365. The Research Associate will work primarily on Work Packages One and Three, supporting qualitative research into:

Key Research Areas

• Survivor engagement and lived‑experience leadership
• Co‑production and participatory research
• Trauma‑informed care within health and maternity services
• Inequalities in access, experience and outcomes
• Qualitative evaluation of implementation processes

Responsibilities

The post holder will operate within the qualitative area of specialism and support the team by:

• Collecting qualitative data using interviews, focus groups, observation and participatory workshops
• Assisting with co‑production activities involving survivors and service users
• Contributing to thematic and framework analysis under supervision
• Assisting with the development of research tools, recruitment strategies and ethics documentation
• Contributing to the preparation of publications, reports and presentations
• Working closely with the Grade 8 Qualitative Research Fellow and contributing to broader interdisciplinary activity across the Professorship programme
• Occasional contributions to related projects within Professor Chandan's wider portfolio, including the NIHR Global Health Research Group, where qualitative and evaluation skills are relevant (https://fundingawards.nihr.ac.uk/award/NIHR156915)

Main Duties

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Analyse research data as directed
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Develop or adapt techniques, models and methods
• Provide guidance as required to support staff and any students who may be assisting with research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Carry out administrative tasks related directly to the delivery of the research
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant subject area (e.g., social sciences, criminology, sociology, health services research, psychology, public health)
• Practical experience of applying the relevant skills and techniques such as qualitative research skills, interviewing, focus groups or qualitative data handling
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Experience of working with vulnerable groups or in safeguarding‑sensitive settings (desirable)
• Experience supporting applied evaluation or service improvement projects (desirable)
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure day‑to‑day activity treats those with protected characteristics equally and fairly

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We believe there is no such thing as a 'typical' member of University of Birmingham staff and that diversity in its many forms is a strength that underpins the exchange of ideas, innovation and debate at the heart of University life. We are committed to proactively addressing the barriers experienced by some groups in our community and are proud to hold Athena SWAN, Race Equality Charter and Disability Confident accreditations. We have an Equality Diversity and Inclusion Centre that focuses on continuously improving the University as a fair and inclusive place to work where everyone has the opportunity to succeed. We are also committed to sustainability, which is a key part of our strategy. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.