Senior Research Associate in Information Science

The role

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced and enthusiastic Information Specialist to join the BEAM (Bristol Evidence Synthesis, Appraisal and Modelling) Centre at the University of Bristol.

BEAM brings together researchers working on evidence synthesis and modelling research across Bristol Medical School.  BEAM is an internationally renowned centre of excellence in evidence synthesis and is the only centre to host all three types of NIHR funded Evidence Synthesis Groups (ESGs), providing access to a wealth of knowledge and expertise in evidence synthesis across a broad range of topics and clinical areas.  

The current role will work primarily within the Bristol Evidence Synthesis for Screening (BESS) Group, but with some flexibility to contribute to work of the other research groups where needed.   The BESS Group will conduct evidence syntheses to support the work of the National Screening Committee (NSC). 

You will be part of a multidisciplinary team including systematic reviewers, statisticians, information specialists, qualitative researchers, and health economists. You will also work closely with clinical experts and public contributors. 

The role is available from 1 April 2025 with funding for up to 5 years.  Requests for flexible working patterns will be considered.

What will you be doing?

The post-holder will work on evidence syntheses to support the work of the UK National Screening Committee. There may also be opportunities to contribute to methodological projects.

You will be required to:

• Design and run literature searches for evidence maps, evidence reviews, full systematic reviews and parameters for cost effectiveness models, for the BESS Group.
• Carry out scoping searches to estimate the scale of potential systematic reviews
• Manage search results using Endnote bibliographic software
• Manage retrieval of reports identified by the searches from sources such as online journals, internal libraries, inter-library loans and other sources
• Contribute to reports for the National Screening Committee (NSC)
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with all research partners, including other members of the BEAM Centre and external collaborators, stakeholders, and public contributors.

You should apply if

• You have expertise in literature searching to support evidence synthesis projects and cost-effectiveness analyses
• You have in depth knowledge of electronic databases (e.g. Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO) and other sources of information for health and social care, including grey literature
• You have an enthusiasm to learn more about evidence synthesis and to contribute to reports for the National Screening Committee
• You have a Master’s Degree or PhD in a relevant discipline such as Information Science, Library Science or Data Science

Additional information

Contract type: Open-ended with funding until 31/03/2030 (start 01/04/2025)

Work pattern: Part-time/ 0.5 FTE

Shift pattern: 17.5 hours per week

This advert will close at 23:59 UK time on 09/01/2025

For informal queries please contact: Penny Whiting, penny.whiting@bristol.ac.uk

Our strategy and mission

We recently launched our strategy to 2030 tying together our mission, vision and values.

The University of Bristol aims to be a place where everyone feels able to be themselves and do their best in an inclusive working environment where all colleagues can thrive and reach their full potential. We want to attract, develop, and retain individuals with different experiences, backgrounds and perspectives – particularly people of colour, LGBT+ and disabled people - because diversity of people and ideas remains integral to our excellence as a global civic institution.

Advert information