Research Associate

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

Contract Type: Fixed Term contract up to February 2027

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 (https://psrc-midlands.nihr.ac.uk/) (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. There are six PSRCs across England and the Midlands PSRC is one of the newest. 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.

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

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

Informal enquiries can be made 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

To download the full job description and details of this position and submit an electronic application online please click on the 'Apply' button above.

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We value diversity and inclusion at the University of Birmingham and welcome applications from all sections of the community and are open to discussions around all forms of flexible working.

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