"Research Associate - School of Social Sciences - 104390 - Grade 6"

Position Details 

School of Social Sciences

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK 

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £31,396 to £33,966 with potential progression once in post to £38,205

Grade: 6

Part Time, Fixed Term contract up to August 2027  

Closing date: 16th August 2024

Background

This role will involve assisting in carrying out data collection and analyses to create knowledge through providing research support as a member of the study team working upon a research project titled, “An evaluation of Care (EduCatIon) and treatment reviews for people with Learning disabilities and Autistic people (CECILIA)”. This project is funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research. 

Role Summary

• The successful applicant will work as a member of the team upon the CECILIA study. 
• The successful applicant will be responsible for working with autistic children and adults and children and adults with intellectual disabilities including their carers, healthcare professionals and commissioners. 
• The role will involve recruiting participants into the CECILIA study and capturing both quantitative and qualitative data using a variety of research methods (e.g., semi-structured interviews, surveys, existing large national datasets)
• The role will also involve working as a member of a larger team and attending regular meetings while also having to travel around the country to capture data. 
• The role will also involve helping to produce peer reviewed publications, professional reports, and help assist with conference presentations and other dissemination events. 

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
• Promotes equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
• Working with autistic children and adults and children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their carers and healthcare professionals including commissioners

Person Specification

• Undergraduate degree in psychology or a related subject area 
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively with individuals who have difficulties with communication
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully
• Experience of working with autistic children and adults and children and adults with intellectual disabilities and their carers
• 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
• Knowledge and experience of the research provisions within the Mental Capacity Act, 2005.  Experience of working with individuals judged to lack capacity to make decisions about whether they wish to take part in research
• Experience of working on funded research studies and experience of both qualitative and quantitative research methods
• The postholder will have to work with individuals who are children and adults with developmental disabilities who have been detained or are currently detained under the Mental Health Act, 1983 
• The role will involve working in both community and NHS or private psychiatric hospital settings, including inpatient settings for children
• The postholder may be exposed to behaviours that challenge
• The postholder will receive regular supervision from the study manager and other members of the research team

Informal enquiries can be made to Professor Richard Hasting (r.hastings@bham.ac.uk) 

View our staff values and behaviours here  

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.