Research Associate - Department of Applied Health Sciences - 105119 - Grade 6

Position Details

Department of Applied Health Sciences, School of Health Sciences, College of Medicine and Health

Location: University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham UK

Full time starting salary is normally in the range £32,296 to £34,866 with potential progression once in post to £39,105

Grade: 6

Full Time, Fixed Term contract up to February 2027

Closing date: 2nd February 2025

Background

The Department of Applied Health Sciences within the College of Medicine and Health is seeking to appoint a Research Associate with expertise in mixed-methods research.

The successful candidate will assist in research (by carrying out data collection or analyses) to create knowledge through providing research support for the Pathways and Culture theme of the NIHR-funded Midlands Patient Safety Research Collaboration (PSRC). The Midlands PSRC has three themes: acute, maternity, and pathways and culture.

The Pathways and Culture theme of the PSRC is currently focused on improving patient safety through (1) improving follow-up of patients who have concerning radiological findings that could lead to cancer and (2) fostering a culture in which healthcare staff feel able to speak up, to reduce medical errors, and improve communication. As such, our research is getting off the ground and it is a great time to join to help shape research directions.

We are seeking to recruit a Research Associate to support the aforementioned projects in terms of data collection and analysis, and help work to build further capacity within the team by contributing to funding bids and aiding in Patient and Public Involvement, among other activities.

Role Summary

This role offers an excellent opportunity for an early-career researcher to join a dynamic, fast-paced, multidisciplinary team working across academic and NHS partnerships.

• Work within specified research grants and/or projects relating to improving patient safety through optimising patient pathways of care and/or organisational culture
• Operate within the aims and objectives of the Midlands Patient Safety Research collaboration objectives (PSRC)
• Contribute to publications in reputable academic journals
• Contribute to funding applications
• Develop independent research projects

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 value diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture

Person Specification

Essential

• Degree or equivalent work experience in relevant subject area, e.g. health-related, psychology, sociology
• Practical experience of applying qualitative research methods
• Experience collecting data in research settings
• Ability to analyse information and communicate effectively
• Good academic writing skills and knowledge of referencing etc., for submitting academic papers to journals
• Ability to access and organise resources successfully and work effectively to deadlines
• Demonstrated passion or enthusiasm for working on patient safety research and knowledge of relevant issues impacting patient safety
• 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

Desirable

• Master’s degree in patient safety, health sciences, social policy, or related area
• Understanding or knowledge of quantitative or mixed methods research design and analysis
• Knowledge of behavioural or implementation science principles
• Existing research outputs as first author or co-author
• Knowledge of UK research funding landscape
• Experience with patient and public involvement in research

Further particulars can be found here

Informal enquiries to Sopna Choudhury (Programme Manager), email: s.m.choudhury.1@bham.ac.uk or Prof Alice Turner (PSRC Co-Director), email: a.m.turner@bham.ac.uk or Dr Justin Aunger (Research Fellow), email: j.aunger@bham.ac.uk

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.