Senior Research Assistant / Research Fellow

The research project: 

We are seeking an enthusiastic and independent Senior Research Assistant/Research Fellow with experience and knowledge of social research to join our team on a mixed methods project about live-in care for people living with dementia. 

The project, funded by the National Institute for Health and Social Care (NIHR) Health and Social Care Delivery Research Programme, is the first of its kind in England and promises to stimulate the updating of standards for homecare and provide information for those with a vested interest in live-in care, including families living with dementia, local authorities, home care agencies, and care regulators. 

The vision for adult social care is for care services in England to intervene early to support individuals to live well at home. Currently, however, relocation to a care home is often regarded as the only solution to supporting a person with dementia when their needs increase. One option for people with enough living space is to organise a live-in carer; this is when a paid carer moves into (rather than visits) a person’s home to provide support. There are lots of providers that offer this service. However, it is a relatively ‘hidden market’ and all the research about live-in care has been done overseas. 

Our project will provide much needed evidence about how live-in care is funded and arranged in England, when dementia is the primary support need.  

The role

Working under the direction of the Chief Investigator - Professor Ruth Bartlett (School of Health Sciences) - and as part of research team, that includes a person living with dementia, professional advocate, and service commissioner, you will play a key role in preparing documents for research approvals, organising project meetings and events, recruiting participants to the qualitative arm of the study; arranging and carrying out fieldwork in the homes of people who employ a live-in carer, and managing and analysing data. You will be expected to take a lead on project management tasks (such as setting up meetings) and creating content for the monthly newsletter. You will also contribute to drafting reports, articles, and presenting results at conferences. 

This role is offered on an 80%, fixed-term basis up to 30/06/2027. Remote working and job share will be considered.

About you

You will have a PhD, or be working towards one, in a relevant health or social science discipline (e.g., health sciences, sociology, social policy, social psychology), and have experience and knowledge of qualitative research. You will have demonstrable research skills such as consenting people to studies, interviewing, qualitative data analysis, and academic writing. You will need to be able to work independently and as part of the project team.

You will need to work effectively with community-based partners, public contributors, and healthcare professionals to develop, deliver and mobilise the work of the research project. Willingness to travel is essential. Fluency in more than one language is desirable. 

Applications for Research Fellow positions will be considered from candidates who are working towards or nearing completion of a relevant PhD qualification. The title of Research Fellow will be applied upon successful completion of the PhD.  Prior to the qualification being awarded the title of Senior Research Assistant will be given.

A standard DBS may be required for this role.

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