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DECIPHer | UKCRC Public Health Research Centre of Excellence

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Jobs and vacancies

Vacancy: Research Assistant, Data Management, Schools Health Research Network, DECIPHer

Cardiff University School of Social Sciences is recruiting a Research Assistant, Data Management, to work within the Schools Health Research Network (SHRN) within DECIPHer.
 
In this role you will contribute to the Schools Health Research Network (SHRN) through the development and implementation of rigorous data collection and management processes and systems. To support SHRN outputs and research funding bids and contribute to the overall research performance of DECIPHer, the School of Social Sciences and Cardiff University, carrying out research leading to positive social impact.
 
This is a full-time post, 35 hours per week, starting as soon as possible and fixed term to 31st March 2022.
 
Salary £27,511 – £31,866 per annum (Grade 5)
 
Job Category Academic – Research
 
Responsible to Dr Gillian Hewitt
 
For further information contact HewittG@cardiff.ac.uk  
 
Date advert posted Tuesday 12 January 2021
 
Closing date Tuesday, 9 February 2021
 

Job Description

Research
  • To support the development and implementation of SHRN data management processes and systems.
  • To ensure that work is undertaken and documented in a regulatory compliant way and be prepared for regular audits and inspections, as well as contributing to the development of the quality management system for the area of data management.
  • To support the conduct of the biennial national SHRN survey.
  • To support quantitative analyses of and development of peer-reviewed publications using data generated by SHRN.
  • To contribute to the development of research funding bids across DECIPHer research programmes.
  • To contribute to the overall research performance of DECIPHer, the School of Social Sciences, and University.
  • To analyse and communicate complex ideas, concepts and data using appropriate methods and software packages.
  • To resolve issues and support senior colleagues in devising procedures required to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
  • To present research at team meetings, through publications, at conferences, and to external partners as appropriate.
  • To develop, maintain and update areas of specialist knowledge, researching and critically appraising relevant literature where appropriate.
Other
  • To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
  • Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria
  • A degree in a relevant discipline, or equivalent experience.
  • Knowledge and understanding of issues associated with conducting large scale surveys, data management and appropriate legal and ethical frameworks.
  • Experience of quantitative methods.
  • Proven ability to analyse complex information and summarise appropriately.
  • Experience of working successfully with policy and practice partners.
  • Proven communication skills, including presentations to various audiences.
  • Excellent organisational and team-working skills.
  • Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and teamworking within projects.
  • Proven commitment to public health improvement research.
  • Excellent knowledge of research methods and techniques within specialist field.
Desirable Criteria
  • Postgraduate degree at Masters or PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant experience.
  • Evidence of working successfully within DECIPHer research programme areas.
  • Proven ability to work without close supervision.
  • A full driving license and access to a vehicle.
  • Welsh speaker.
For full details and to apply, please go to the Cardiff University website.

Vacancy: Research Associate, School Health Research Network, DECIPHer

 
Cardiff University School of Social Sciences is looking to recruit a Research Associate to work within the Schools Health Research Network (SHRN) within DECIPHer.
 
As the Research Associate you will conduct research as part of SHRN and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
 
This is a full time post of 35 hours a week, fixed term for the period of 1st January 2021 to 31st March 2025.
 
Salary £33,797 – £40,322 per annum (Grade 6)
 
Job Category Academic – Research
 
Responsible to Dr Honor Young
 
For further details contact YoungH6@cardiff.ac.uk
 
Date advert posted Monday, 4 January 2021
 
Closing Date Thursday, 4 February 2021
 

Job Description

Research
  • To conduct research as part of SHRN and contribute to the overall research performance of the School and University by the production of measurable outputs including bidding for funding, publishing in national academic journals and conferences, and the recruitment and supervision of postgraduate research students.
  • To undertake administrative tasks associated with the SHRN survey, including the planning and organisation of the project and the implementation of procedures required for ethical oversight and reporting.
  • To monitor project progress to ensure adherence to the project plan and to identify, evaluate and rectify problems.
  • To manage the SHRN Research Assistant and provide quality oversight of their work.
  • To lead and support SHRN outputs and contribute intellectually to the project through the critical interpretation of SHRN data.
  • To support the SHRN Network Manager in coproduction and knowledge translation activities.
  • To work collaboratively with other staff within and external to the research team.
  • To attend and or present at conferences/seminars at a local and national level as required.
  • To prepare research ethics and research governance applications as appropriate.
  • To participate in SOCSI research activities.
  • To build and create networks both internally and externally to the university, to influence decisions, explore future research requirements, and share research ideas for the benefit of the research.
Other
  • To engage effectively with external organisations, to raise awareness of SOCSI’s profile and to contribute to its regional and national profile.
  • To undergo personal and professional development that is appropriate to and which will enhance performance.
  • To participate in SOCSI administration and activities to promote the School and its work to the wider University and the outside world.
  • Any other duties not included above, but consistent with the role.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria
  • Postgraduate degree at PhD level (or nearing completion / submission) in a related subject area or relevant experience.
  • An established expertise and proven portfolio of research and/or relevant industrial experience within one or more of the following research fields: Public health / Psychology / Social sciences / Health sciences /Education
  • Knowledge of current status of research in school health.
  • Proven ability to publish in national journals.
  • Knowledge and understanding of competitive research funding to be able to develop applications to funding bodies.
  • Experience of working with policy and practice stakeholders.
  • Proven ability in clear and effective communication for a variety of audience.
  • Ability to effectively manage large scale complex projects, supervise the work of others to focus team efforts, and motivate individuals.
  • Proven ability to demonstrate creativity, innovation and to work without close supervision to a high standard.
  • A track record in research relevant to DECIPHer’s research programmes.
Desirable Criteria
  • Relevant professional qualification(s).
  • Experience of working with schools.
  • Proven ability to adapt to the changing requirements of the Higher Education community.
  • Welsh language skills.
    For full details and to apply, please go to the Cardiff University website.
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DECIPHer Adopted Studies

DECIPHer has developed an established framework and system of Research Development Groups (RDGs) to support co-production of new studies and maximise their impact. A prerequisite of any supported RDG is multi-disciplinary, multi-agency membership and a high level of stakeholder involvement. This approach ensures continuous collaboration in the development of bids and supports ecological relevance; it optimises system fit for subsequent research studies and promotes enhanced translation of knowledge into practice. The registration process involves an initial discussion with one of our team and with their advice the completion of a DECIPHer adoption form. [sm1] The DECIPHer Partnership Board will then consider whether the study can be adopted or affiliated and if so the level of support that DECIPHer can offer.

We are always keen to discuss new research ideas and possibilities for collaboration. If you work in public health policy or practice and would like to be involved in research relevant to DECIPHer’s aims, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please email us at DECIPHer@Cardiff.ac.uk or contact the programme lead for your area of interest to discuss how we can work together.

Working at DECIPHer

DECIPHer’s multidisciplinary community provides an excellent environment for public health researchers at all career stages to thrive. They join a world leading public health research centre, benefit from our unique skills and resources, strong relationships with other DECIPHer institutions and an extensive network of policy and practice partners, and DECIPHer’s tailored capacity development programme for researchers. DECIPHer staff are also part of a wider community conducting high-quality public health research.

Studying at DECIPHer

DECIPHer provides a supportive multidisciplinary research environment, with a strong emphasis on engagement with policy and practice in applied public health improvement research. A list of current projects being undertaken by students working with DECIPHer can be found on our People page.

Working with policy and practice

DECIPHer aims to lead collaboration and knowledge exchange between researchers, policy-makers and practitioners in public health improvement.

Our policy and practice collaborators have unique experience and expertise. Using this throughout the research process helps us to do better research, and allows the evidence we produce to be used more easily to improve public health.

Co-producing research ideas and projects means these address the questions that are relevant and important to policy and practice.

Working together to plan and conduct the research helps ensure it is carried out in a way that is acceptable to policy-makers and practitioners – the people who will ultimately be using the research.

Input from policy and practice ensures that the research evidence we produce is communicated in the most useful way.

For more on how DECIPHer builds collaboration into its work, and how it strengthens the work we do, see our collaboration case studies below.

How do we work with policy and practice?

Ideas for DECIPHer research projects come from academia, policy and practice. Research ideas are developed into funded projects through research development groups – small working groups, typically consisting of researchers, policy-makers and practitioners.

A research development group crystallises the initial idea into a specific research question, develops an appropriate research design, and bids for grant funding. This enables policy and practice partners to be fully involved in developing DECIPHer research from the very beginning.

We are always keen to discuss new research ideas and possibilities for collaboration. If you work in public health policy or practice and would like to be involved in research relevant to DECIPHer’s aims, we would be pleased to hear from you. Please email us at DECIPHer@Cardiff.ac.uk or contact the programme lead for your area of interest to discuss how we can work together.

Collaborating with DECIPHer

What is it like to work with us? We asked three of our key collaborators to tell us about their experiences.

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