Research Fellow – Department of Applied Health Sciences – 107775 – Grade 7 Full-time NEW

Job Description

This multidisciplinary project is based on a multi-method design, focusing on the experiences of children, adolescents and their immediate caregivers who are participating in Type 1 Diabetes (T1D) screening initiatives in Europe and the UK; and is an ancillary study to the EDENT1FI programme (European action for Diagnosis of Early Non-clinical Type 1 diabetes For disease Interception). The research fellow is sought to support the UK component which is linked to the existing T1D screening program scaled up nationally by the Department of Immunology and Immunotherapy at the University of Birmingham. Screening is being considered as an appropriate health intervention, which identifies the disease pre-symptomatically and provides guidance on managing the early stages of T1D.

Although there is a recognised need to address the psychological experiences of those undergoing screening, much of the work has been with parents; we know much less about the children and adolescents who are being screened. This project's primary research design utilises mixed methods with quantitative surveys and qualitative methodology focused on creative, interactive and age-appropriate methods of investigating experiences of the screening. The qualitative element of the study, including interviewing and ethnographic play-based activities, is central to achieving an in-depth insight into children's experiences.

The research fellow will work closely with Dr Olga Boiko (Applied Health Sciences) at the University of Birmingham in collaboration with the international research team of clinicians, psychologist and sociologists as well as researchers from Poland and Portugal who will also undertake data collection in their respective centres. This is an opportunity to join a vibrant multidisciplinary project which is aiming to deliver high quality research in paediatric public health that will lead to identifying support for those with early T1D diagnosis.

Role Summary

• Recruitment of participants and co-ordinating recruitment activities
• Data collection (family engagement, interviews, play-based activities, questionnaires)
• Overseeing and checking transcription of interviews
• Analyse and interpret research findings and results
• Patient and public involvement
• Co-ordinate advisory group meetings and oversee minute taking/meeting record keeping
• Draft and dissemination study outputs and contribute to impact activities
• Collaborate with the wider research team to ensure the project objectives are met
• Contribute to generating funding

Main Duties

• Collect research data; this may be through a variety of research methods, such as ethnography, play-based activities, research interviews and validated questionnaires, both in-person and virtually
• Analyse and interpret data using qualitative analysis methods
• Contribute to developing new models, techniques and methods
• Apply knowledge in a way which develops new intellectual understanding
• Contribute to research-related administration
• Contribute to public engagement activities related to the project, under supervision of the principal investigator
• Develop impact toolkits and present research outputs, including drafting academic publications or parts thereof, for example at seminars and as posters
• Provide guidance, as required, to support staff and any students who may be assisting with the research
• Deal with problems that may affect the achievement of research objectives and deadlines
• Promote equality and values diversity acting as a role model and fostering an inclusive working culture
• Contribute to writing bids for research funding
• Flexible/hybrid working pattern can be considered

Person Specification

• A PhD (or near to completion) relevant to the research area (psychology, sociology, education), or equivalent PhD level qualifications
• Well-grounded practical experience of developing, delivering, analysing and writing up qualitative research in health including interviewing, and/or observations and creative methodologies
• Experience in research with children or willingness to undertake related training
• High level analytical capability to interpret qualitative evidence using qualitative data analysis software (such as NVivo)
• Excellent communication skills and capacity to collaborate effectively with a range of stakeholder groups such as families, children, other researchers and members of the public
• Excellent time management and organisational skills in relation to research
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to a range of groups including public audiences
• Good IT skills (including MS Office, email, Teams, electronic survey platforms)
• Ability to assess resource requirements and use resources effectively
• Contribution to the planning and organising of the research programme and/or specific research project
• 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
• Able to travel within the Midlands region for data collection (travel expenses covered)
• Evidence of research outputs (papers published in peer reviewed journals, conference presentations)
• Experience of engaging directly in UK research governance and ethical approval processes is desirable.

DBS required

The University is committed to safeguarding and we promote safe recruitment practice, therefore all associated pre-employment checks will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. Due to the nature of the work undertaken in this role all successful applicants will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS clearance prior to appointment.

Informal enquiries to Olga Boiko, email: o.boiko@bham.ac.uk

Use of AI in applications: We want to understand your genuine interest in the role and for the written elements of your application to accurately reflect your own communication style. Applications that rely too heavily on AI tools can appear generic and lack the detail we need to assess your skills and experience. Such applications will unlikely be progressed to interview.

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. You can find out more about our work to create a fairer university for everyone on our website.