Research Fellow - School of Social Policy and Society - 105994 - Grade 7

University of Birmingham; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 46,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Birmingham seeks a Research Associate for a project on the lives of individuals with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). The role involves collecting and analyzing data, supporting family carers, and publishing findings, all within a supportive academic environment committed to diversity and inclusion.

Qualifications

• Extensive research experience with people with learning disabilities.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly.
• Fluency in relevant research models and methods.

Responsibilities

• Develop research objectives and proposals.
• Analyse and interpret data using statistical software.
• Supervise students on research-related work.

Skills

Analytical capability

Communication

Co-designing surveys

Resource management

Understanding of Equality Act 2010

Education

First degree in relevant area

Higher degree relevant to research area

Tools

R

Stata

Job description

Position Details

School of Social Policy and Society

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £36,130 to £45,413 with potential progression once in post to £48,149

Grade: 7

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to September 2026

Closing date: 24th July 2025

Background

To create and contribute to the creation of knowledge by undertaking a specified range ofactivities within an established research programme and/or specific research project.

In our previous study (https://warwick.ac.uk/fac/soc/cidd/covid19-learningdisability/) a team of researchers showed that adults with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) and their family carers were disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The post holder will work on a follow-up project led by Professor Jill Bradshaw, funded by the Baily Thomas Charitable Fund: The Lives of People with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) in the UK.

Role Summary

• Work on the ‘The Lives of People with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) in the UK’ study
• Work with family carers of people with Profound and Multiple Learning disabilities to co-produce a survey
• Identify existing participants from a previous UK-wide survey study by the research team, and work with our partners to recruit new participants
• Collect information via the survey
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Produce and disseminate findings in a range of accessible formats and for peer review publications
• Develop plans for and draft a funding proposal for an ongoing longitudinal cohort study of people with PMLD

Main Duties

The responsibilities may include some but not all of the responsibilities outlined below.

• Develop research objectives and proposals for own or joint research, with assistance of a mentor if required
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Analyse and interpret data using advanced statistical software, i,e. R or Stata
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Disseminate research findings for publication, research seminars etc
• Supervise students on research related work and provide guidance to PhD students where appropriate to the discipline
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods including multilevel and structural equation modelling
• Undertake management/administration arising from research
• Contribute to the Intellectual Disabilities Research Institute (IDRIS) and Departmental/School research-related activities and research-related administration
• Contribute to enterprise, business development and/or public engagement activities of manifest benefit to the College and the University, often under supervision of a project leader
• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as scientific experimentation, literature reviews, and research interviews
• Present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

• First degree in area of specialism andnormally, a higher degree relevant to research area or equivalent qualifications
• Extensive experience of research with people with learning disabilities (and those with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities in particular) and their family carers
• High level analytical capability
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly, to a range of audiences, including family carers and people with learning disabilities
• Fluency in relevant models, techniques or methods (including co-designing surveys with families) and ability to contribute to developing new ones
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Understandingof and ability to contribute to broader management/administration processes
• Contribute to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• Co-ordinate own work with others to avoid conflict or duplication of effort
• Knowledge of the protected characteristics of the Equality Act 2010, and how to actively ensure in day to day activity in own area that those with protected characteristics are treated equally and fairly

Informal enquiries to Professor Jill Bradshaw, email: [e-mail]

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 .